Dairy Compost as a Source of Turkey Brooder Bedding

Authors

David D. Frame, Utah State UniversityFollow
Emma Jane Kelly, Utah State UniversityFollow
N. Fields
L. G. Bagley, Utah State University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Applied Poultry Research

Volume

13

Issue

4

Publisher

Poultry Science Association

Publication Date

2004

First Page

614

Last Page

618

Abstract

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.

Comments

Originally published by the Poultry Science Association. Publisher's PDF available through remote link.

Recommended Citation

Frame, D. D., E. J. Kelly, N. Fields, and L. G. Bagley 2004. Dairy Compost as a Source of Turkey Brooder Bedding Journal of Applied Poultry Research 13: 614-618.