Litter Pasteurization: Effects of Cover and Moisture Level on the Temperature of the Litter Heap

Abstract

Two on-farm trials were conducted to examine the effects of adding extra moisture and covering on temperature profiles of broiler litter heaped in-shed for pasteurisation before reuse. Covering of litter heaps with tarpaulins increased heap temperatures by 5-10 °C particularly near the surface of the heap and also helped maintain high temperatures longer. Adding up to 10% water (w:w) also increased heap temperatures where litter moisture content was below 25%. However the two effects were not additive with no beneficial effect of covering observed at high moisture levels. This information may be useful for optimising litter pasteurization protocols to achieve early and uniform high temperatures.