Litter condition strongly depends on good management

摘要

Good flock performance for birds that are kept on floor systems, starts with selecting good litter. Once the birds are in the house, the litter should be kept in excellent condition in order to keep them in good shape. Under certain conditions, reuseof litter is even possible. As birds grow older or when they are over stocked the density becomes too high for the quantity of litter, leading to a greater build-up of water admixed with nitrogenous products. Overstocking also reduces scratching rates and should, therefore, have detrimental effects on the litter. This problem may also arise from a disease problem such as lameness even with light stocking, since birds will not be able to scratch the litter sufficiendy. Laying stock getting to near peak production produce greater amounts of estrogenic hormones in their bodies. This is often associated with increased consumption and utilisation of water to the point that excess will be excreted.