An industry survey on litter management and re-use practices of Australian meat chicken growers

Litter management is important when rearing meat chickens because litter conditions can affect production as well chicken health and wellbeing. An industry survey was conducted to gather information from Australian growers integrators about their practices, providing an opportunity share knowledge, experiences perceptions re-use turning. This essential for researchers investigating practices it provided a better understanding preparation shed configuration ensure that representative timely data could be collected. Eighty-four responses were received all major growing regions across Australia. The closely reflected the proportions of conventional free-range systems industry, with approximately 21% representing free range 80% barn housing. Concerning showed limited (32% responses), but turning widespread practice (89% responses). used reduce occurrence caked keep ‘working’. Maintaining ‘dry friable’ has been shown risk issues allows display behaviours, such dustbathing, which are believed associated improved welfare. Comments indicated alone does not achieve dry friable litter, proactive ventilation, heater drinker essential. Growers also explained without its challenges, potentially contribute spikes dust, ammonia and/or odour. They expressed concerns relating operating machinery in poultry houses, particularly there high liveweight density. When asked re-use, several reported benefits reducing costs improving moisture holding capacity, risks ammonia, beetle control disease transmission. Researchers will able use these results gain insight into perceptions, constraints, challenges future research reflects local practices.