Effects of a slatted floor on bacteria and physical parameters in litter in broiler houses

Abstract

In this study, a new housing system for broiler was tested. This system consisted of a slatted floor area and a littered area with the aim of improving litter quality. Two experimental broiler houses were provided. In house 1, a slatted floor was installed below the drinker and feedlines. Littered areas flanked the slatted floor. Broiler house 2 reflected conditions in commercial systems, consisting of a full littered area. Litter samples were taken at day 11 and at day 32 of the fattening period. Manure samples were taken at day 32. The total bacteria count (TBC), coliforms, Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and ESBL-producing bacteria were determined. Furthermore, physical parameters (dry matter, water activity, pH) of litter and manure were measured. For statistical analyzes, a generalized linear mixed model (GLIMMIX procedure) was calculated. The floor did not show any significant effect on the bacteria content of the litter. Regarding TBC in litter, the floor showed a tendency for an effect (F = 5.42, p<0.1) with lower contents in house 1. Regarding the manure under the slatted floor, a tendency for a difference between house 1 and house 2 was found for the content of E. coli (F = 5.55, p<0.1) with higher contents in house 1. The floor did not show any significant effect on the physical parameters of litter and manure. The results of this experimental study showed no positive effects on the selected litter parameters, but further studies, especially on-farm experiments are necessary to confirm these results.

Review of litter turning during a grow-out as a litter management practice to achieve dry and friable litter in poultry production

“…(2020) ; Boggia et al. (2019) ; Heitmann et al. (2020) Water activity—water movement in the litter Eriksson De Rezende, Mallinson et al.…”

Effects of a Partially Perforated Flooring System on Ammonia Emissions in Broiler Housing—Conflict of Objectives between Animal Welfare and Environment?

“…A multifactorial evaluation of an innovative flooring system in broiler production is important to ensure the compatibility of animal welfare and the environment. Previous studies have shown positive effects of a partially perforated flooring system on animal-based welfare indicators, without affecting production performance or the occurrence of bacteria [ 12 , 13 ]. Positive effects of elevated perforated areas on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators are confirmed by numerous studies [ 18 , 19 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…In addition, the litter provides a potential reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria [ 9 ] that can be transmitted to humans via the food chain [ 10 , 11 ]. Two studies were carried out in the past comparing an innovative partially (50%) perforated flooring system with a littered flooring system [ 12 , 13 ]. One feature of the partially perforated flooring system is an elevated perforated area in the section of feed and water supply, accessible by perforated ramps.…”

“…Production performance was not affected by the floor type [ 12 ]. Heitmann et al [ 13 ] studied the effect of the partially perforated flooring system on the occurrence of bacteria. A tendency was shown for a higher content of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) in the supply area of the partially perforated system compared with the supply area of the littered flooring system.…”

Mitigating the Spread and Translocation of Salmonella Enteritidis in Experimentally Infected Broilers under the Influence of Different Flooring Housing Systems and Feed Particle Sizes

“…Another approach is the use of slatted flooring. Recent studies evaluated the relationship between slatted flooring and the level of Escherichia ( E. ) coli , coliform, and antimicrobial resistant E. coli [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”