Evaluation of a Rice/Soy Fermentate on Broiler Performance, Litter Characteristics, and Fecal Odorant Volatilization
Abstract
The objective of this research was to determine the effect of a rice/soy fermentate when included in broiler diets and spray applied as a litter amendment on broiler performance, litter characterization, and ammonia and odorant volatilization. A series of three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the fermentate to reduce ammonia and odor compound volatilization when spray-applied to on recycled broiler litter. In experiment 1, spray-applying the two fermentate products did not affect ammonia volatilization; however the methodology was verified, as reductions were observed in the positive control. In experiment 2, spray application of the rice/soy fermentate did not have any impact on litter characteristics or average broiler body weight. However spray application of the rice/soy fermentate significantly reduced (P<0.05) observed mortality at the conclusion of the experiment. In experiment 3, spray application of the two fermentate products on fresh pine shavings following two activation times did reduce ammonia volatilization; although significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in carbon and nitrogen content on day 43 and nitrogen content on day 35.
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of two fermented rice/soy products on volatilization of fecal odor compound volatilization and performance parameters when included in broiler diets. In experiment 1, the addition of fermentate B at 900 g/ton increased (p < 0.05) d 21 body weight. The inclusion of both fermentates (A and B) resulted in significant decreases (p < 0.05) in multiple volatile organic compounds, strongly associated with odor related to poultry. In experiment 2, the addition of fermentate B at 900 g/ton resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in d 14 body weight. Inclusion of both rice/soy fermentates (A and B) significantly increased (p < 0.05) carcass weights. Additionally, significant reductions (p < 0.05) were observed in day 21 and 42 fecal pH with both fermentates (A and B). Taken in totality, these data demonstrate the ability of a rice/soy fermentate to alter litter nutrient content and intestinal environment resulting in increased nitrogen sequestering, reduced digest pH, reduce odorant volatilization, increased early bird weight, and reduce early mortality.
Citation
Williams, Mallori (2012). Evaluation of a Rice/Soy Fermentate on Broiler Performance, Litter Characteristics, and Fecal Odorant Volatilization. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2012 -08 -11663.