EVALUATIONS OF WHOLE CHOPPED KENAF AND KENAF CORE USED AS A BROILER LITTER MATERIAL

Various physical and chemical properties of a mixture of pine shavings and sawdust (PS), kenaf core (KC), and whole chopped kenaf (WK) were determined in two successive broiler trials. In Trial 1, each material was placed into pens at a depth of approximately 11 cm. Litter from f our replicate pens of each material was analyzed periodically for pH, N, and moisture. Body weight, feed consumption, breast blisters, manur e bums, and litter caking scores were determined at the end of each tr ial. Prior to Trial 2, all litter was turned and WK and KC were topdre ssed to attain similar litter weights in pens among treatments. In bot h trials, litter N and moisture increased at each sampling time. The W K and KC had higher moisture and N content throughout both trials. Lit ter pH increased throughout Trial 1 and reached a maximum value of 8.7 5 at the end of the trial. In Trial 2, pH values were inconsistent but values over 8.0 were maintained. Litter type had no effect on body we ight, feed conversion, breast blister, and manure burn scores in eithe r trial. The WK and KC exhibited significantly more caking than PS.