Characterization of different types of broiler bedding including dehydrated grass and their influence on production |
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| Authors: | Bruna B Przybulinski Rodrigo G Garcia Maria Fernanda de C Burbarelli Claudia M Komiyama Deivid Kelly Barbosa Fabiana R Caldara Felipe C Serpa Vivian A R de Castilho Érika Rosendo de Sena Gandra |
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| Institution: | 1. Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil;2. Studies Institute of Trópico Úmido - UNIFESSPA - Xinguara/PA, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | The objective is to evaluate different bedding materials, including dehydrated grass, on performance and carcass yield and verify the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of materials. The completely randomized experiment comprised 1,080 chicks in a 3 × 2 factorial design with three levels of dehydrated grass (0%, 25%, and 50%) and two bedding materials (rice husks and shavings). Total microorganism count and physicochemical characteristics, surface temperature of birds, and performance of birds were analyzed up to 42 days of age, when birds were slaughtered, and carcass yield was evaluated. The inclusion of grass showed a higher microbiological count after 1 day, stabilizing with materials after 28 days. The inclusion of 50% of dehydrated grass resulted in a higher surface bed temperature at 42 days. Inclusions above 25% of grass have a lower density and a greater water retention capacity, pH, moisture, and total nitrogen, in addition to a lower FDA in its structure. The highest ammonia emissions occurred with the inclusion of 25% of grass. The inclusion of dehydrated grass did not affect performance and carcass yield, favoring feed conversion at the initial stages. The inclusion of grass can replace up to 25% of shavings without harming physicochemical parameters of materials and birds' performance. |
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| Keywords: | bedding quality performance rice husk shavings sustainability |
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