Effects of Fermented Mealworm Larvae Meal With Different Probiotics on Litter Quality in Broiler House

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the supplementation of fermented mealworm larvae meal with two different probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus brevis) to diets of broilers reared normal or high stocking density on litter quality. Wood shavings, commonly used in broiler houses, are used as litter material. High stocking density significantly increased litter moisture content compared to that of broiler reared normal stocking density (P<0.0001). Dietary supplementing of fermented mealworm larvae meal with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus brevis significantly decreased litter moisture content compared to that of control diet (P<0.0001). High stocking density significantly increased litter pH level compared to normal stocking density (P<0.0001). On the other hand, dietary treatments had no significant effect on litter pH. High stocking density significantly increased ammonia gas emissions in the 5th day (P<0.05) and 7th day (P<0.0001) compared to normal stocking density. Furthermore, feeding on diets supplemented with fermented mealworm larvae meal with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus brevis numerically decreased ammonia gas emissions in the 5th and 7th days although their effects on ammonia gas emissions are not significant. It was concluded based on present findings that fermented mealworm larvae meal with probiotics can be used as a natural feed additive to prevent the problems resulted from wet litter and high indoor ammonia levels in broiler houses.