Measurement of broiler litter production rates and nutrient content using recycled litter. Poultry Science 2006

ABSTRACT It is important for broiler producers to know litter production rates and litter nutrient content when developing nutrientmanagement plans. Estimation of broiler litter production varies widely in the literature due to factors such as geographical region, type of hous-ing, size of broiler produced, and number of flocks reared on the same litter. Published data for N, P, and K content are also highly variable. In addition, fewdata are available regarding the rate of production, characteristics, and nu-trient content of caked litter (cake). In this study, 18 con-secutive flocks of broilers were reared on the same litter in experimental pens under simulated commercial condi-tions. Themass of litter and cake producedwasmeasured after each flock. Samples of all litter materials were ana