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Nutritional factors affecting excreta/litter moisture and quality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

M. Francesch  and
J. Brufau
M. Francesch
Affiliation:
IRTA, Department of Animal Nutrition, Centre Mas Bové, Apartat 415, 43280 Reus, Spain, e-mail: maria.francesch@irta.es
J. Brufau
Affiliation:
IRTA, Department of Animal Nutrition, Centre Mas Bové, Apartat 415, 43280 Reus, Spain, e-mail: maria.francesch@irta.es
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Abstract

The control of excreta/litter moisture and quality is a priority in the modern poultry industry, to avoid environmental and animal welfare problems and to reduce productivity losses. Control implies the reduction of their amounts and moisture content. Several factors can affect them, some related to management and housing, others related to diseases and finally, dietary factors. The paper reviews some nutritional aspects that could interfere with the moisture and quality of poultry excreta/litter, focusing on dietary factors affecting water consumption, water excretion and the amount and composition of excreta: dietary protein level, electrolyte balance, ionophores, cereals causing viscosity problems or containing high levels of non-digestible fibre fractions, unusual ingredients or by-products and finally some feed technological treatments.

Keywords

excretalitterelectrolyte balanceionophorescerealslegumesby-productsfeed processing
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 60 , Issue 1 , March 2004 , pp. 64 - 75
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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