Effects of Dietary Peat Moss on Performance in Broilers

Abstract

Peat moss has been found to be useful as a plant growth substance, fertilizer, and soil solution. It is not known, however, whether dietary peat moss affects performance in broilers. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary peat moss as a feed ingredient in broilers. Experimental diets were prepared by mixing basal feed with PM at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%. In experiment 1, 150 14-day-old Ross broiler chicks were housed for 2 weeks in 15 pens that were randomly assigned into five groups (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% PM). Dietary peat moss at 0.2% and 0.4% significantly increased the water intake, body weight, weight gain and feed efficiency compared with the control (0.0% PM, P<0.05) but did not affect feed intake. Higher levels of PM (0.8 and 1.6%) significantly decreased feed intake, body weight and weight gain. In experiment 2, 198 7-day-old Ross chicks were housed for 3 weeks in nine pens that were randomly assigned into three groups (0.0%, 0.2% and 0.4% PM). When the broilers were fed with dietary peat moss for 3 weeks, the peat moss effects disappeared. The results of the current study show that low amounts of dietary peat moss may exert beneficial effects on performance in broilers.

On-farm broiler chicken welfare assessment using transect sampling reflects environmental inputs and production outcomes

“…We did not detect changes in growth rate, feed efficiency or production index value with increased environmental complexity. Although consumption of peat has previously been associated with increased weight gain and feed efficiency [29, 30, 31], the amounts provided in the current study were probably insufficient to affect flock growth. Also, provision of elevated structures such as perches and bales has not previously revealed effects on weight gain, feed conversion, or carcass yield [18, 58, 59].…”

“…A negative association between lameness score and dustbathing frequency has been reported [27], suggesting that peat could improve leg health. Moreover, peat can have beneficial effects on the digestive tract mucosa [28], and its use as a feed supplement has been associated with increased weight gain, and feed efficiency [29, 30, 31]. Bales of litter material provide enrichment by stimulating exploratory pecking and foraging behaviour as well as acting as platforms [32, 33].…”