Effect of Poultry Litter Treatment® (PLT®) on the development of respiratory tract lesions in broilers

Abstract

In previous studies, Poultry Litter Treatment® (PLT®) was shown to reduce atmospheric ammonia levels and ascites death rates, and produce higher profit value in broiler chickens. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of PLT® on atmospheric ammonia levels, the development of respiratory tract lesions, and body weight gains in broiler chickens. Data were collected from chicks that were raised in containment conditions that resembled commercial settings. Atmospheric ammonia levels, gross thoracic air sac lesion scores, and the numbers and magnitudes of histopathologic tracheal mucosal injuries were significantly (P = 0.001) reduced in chickens that were raised on PLT®-treated litter than in their untreated-litter control counterparts. In addition, mean body weights and lung:body weight ratios were significantly (P < 0.03) larger in broilers that were raised on treated litter. The reductions in respiratory tract lesions among broilers raised on PLT®-treated litter were attributed to reductions in atmospheric ammonia levels.