PREDICTION OF RESIDUAL CHLORINE IN A POULTRY CRATE DISINFECTION SYSTEM

This study was initiated to find better ways to disinfect poultry tran sport cages contaminated with Salmonella. A disinfection system was de signed and constructed to simulate actual field conditions. Chicken wa stes (manure, dirt, feathers) were mixed into the water bath of the mo del. Varying levels of sodium hypochlorite were added at different wat er temperatures for evaluation in the presence of organic materials. R esults showed that residual chlorine decreased rapidly during the firs t 2 h of each treatment and then more slowly after 3 h, depending on t he water/sludge temperature. Regression equations were developed to es timate residual chlorine at different water temperatures. These result s provide important guidance for managers of crate disinfection operat ions.