Dairy Compost as a Source of Turkey Brooder Bedding

Dairy compost (DC) was evaluated as a possible bedding substrate for brooding turkeys. This study compared livability, weight gain, and footpad score between pine shavings (PS) and DC for 2 strains of turkeys. There were no significant differences in either strain for livability through 35 d of age. Mean body weight at 35 d in the DC treatment compared with PS was less in strain B but not significantly different in strain A. Footpad score in the DC treatment was significantly greater in both strains compared with PS; however, brooder performance as measured by mortality and ambulatory disturbances was not affected in either strain. Results suggest DC may have limited but possible value as a bedding material for brooding turkeys