Broiler performance on different types of litter at different depths in summer

A total of 144 day-old straight-run Shaver Starbro broiler chicks were reared on sawdust, chopped rice straw and rice husk litter at different depths (5.08, 6.35 and 7.62 cm) for a period of 49 days to examine the influence of the type and depth of litter on broiler performance. Results indicate that body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion and production number were not significantly affected by litter type and depth. Livability was influenced by the type of litter. No pathological symptoms were found to be detrimental to the survivability of birds and no visual indications of breast blisters or leg abnormalities were found. Major production variables (weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, survivability and cost of litter/kg meat) indicate that chopped rice straw with a depth of 6.35 cm is the most suitable litter for raising broilers during summer