ALUM SLUDGE AND ZEOLITE AS COMPONENTS OF BROILER LITTER

This study investigated whether alum sludge, a coproduct of drinking w ater purification, and natural zeolites could be used as components of broiler litter. The two alternative were used singly and in combinati on to constitute a proportion of the litter. Alum sludge at 20% and na tural zeolite at 10% replaced wood shavings. Commercial broiler chicke ns were grown on the different litter combination from day-old to mark et age. The response criteria examined included growth, feed conversio n, livability, leg score, tibial dyschondroplasia score, and litter ch aracteristics. Mortality and morbidity were negligible adn 16 beetle t raps yielded two beetles from one pen. A statistically significant eff ect due to litter was not detected in body weight, feed conversion, or leg scores at 3 and 6 wk of age. Litter treatments did not influence litter characteristics such as ammonia, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and copper. The results showed that there were not detrimental effects ass ociated with using alum sludge and/or natural zeolites as components t o reduce the amount of wood shavings needed for litter.