North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Department of Poultry Science
234 D Scott Hall, Box 7608, NCSU
Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
North Carolina Poultry Telephone: 919-515-5407
Fax: 919-515-7070
Industry Newsletter Website: http://www.ncsupoultry.com
Issue Editor: Jody Smith
Vol. III, Issue I Winter, 2006
.
Poultry Litter Amendments Preventing Avian Flu
James Parsons, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry Donna Carver, Associate Professor of Poultry Science and Extension
Veterinarian
Ammonia produced in poultry houses can degrade
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious disease
bird health and performance. When broilers and
of birds which can be devastating for poultry
turkeys are raised on litter, amendments can be used
growers, both backyard and commercial. AI is
to reduce ammonia levels in the house which could
caused by a virus which occurs commonly in
improve bird health and performance. Using
healthy waterfowl, but can cause severe disease in
amendments may also have other economic and
turkeys and chickens. AI is considered a Foreign
environmental benefits. Reduction in ammonia loss
Animal Disease (FAD) in the United States (US),
increases the nutrient value of the litter while
which means that the government (both State and
improving air quality. Litter amendments may also
Federal) work to prevent the introduction of AI into
reduce energy costs by reducing ventilation needs.
commercial and backyard poultry flocks. Flocks
Some litter amendments reduce pathogen and pest
that are confirmed positive for AI are depopulated
levels in the house. One litter amendment (alum)
and buried onsite. Sometimes growers are paid for
has been shown to improve water quality by
depopulated birds, but it may be a portion of the
reducing soluble phosphorus (P) and heavy metal
true value of the birds, and can result in severe
losses in runoff.
economic loss for owners and producers of the
diseased poultry flocks.
While many litter amendments are commercially
available, few have been evaluated and found to be
Because of the structure of the commercial poultry
effective in controlled studies. In addition to
industry and the different events which many non-
providing general information on various types of
commercial or hobbyist poultry people attend, there
amendments, this article highlights two products
is considerable movement of poultry and
that have been found to be effective in scientific (continued page 3)
studies. _____________________________________________
This Issue Includes:
There are five types of litter amendments for Poultry Litter Amendments .......................................... 1
managing ammonia: acidifiers, alkaline materials, Preventing Avian Flu.................................................... 1
adsorbers, inhibitors, and microbial treatments. The Contact Information...................................................... 3
most commonly used litter amendments are Care of High Pressure Sodium Lights in the Breeder
House........................................................................... 4
acidifiers and alkaline materials. They are briefly
NC Poultry Federation Honors 2005 Hall of Fame
discussed below.
Recipients .................................................................... 5
(continued page2)
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of
race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North
Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter Page 2 Winter, 2006
鈥? High ammonia levels in the poultry house can
reduce bird performance and health, reducing
(continued from page 1)
Poultry Litter Amendments profits to the grower and integrator.
鈥? Acidifiers are the most widely used type of litter
1. Acidifiers create acidic conditions (pH less than amendment.
7) in the litter resulting in more of the ammoniacal 鈥? Using amendments after each flock can reduce
nitrogen being retained as ammonium rather than ammonia levels in the house and may also
ammonia. Further, the acidity creates unfavorable reduce energy by reducing ventilation needs in
conditions for bacteria and enzymes that are the winter.
involved in the formation of ammonia resulting in 鈥? A suitable amendment may also provide other
reduced ammonia production. Many different types benefits to the grower such as reduced pathogen
of acidifiers such as alum, sodium bisulfate, ferrous and pest levels in the house.
sulfate, and phosphoric acid were found to be
鈥? When litter is treated with alum, the potential of
effective in controlled studies. However, some
phosphorus and soluble metal losses in runoff
acidifiers are not recommended for use in poultry
are reduced which is beneficial for water
houses for reasons such as bird toxicity (ferrous
quality.
sulfate) or increased phosphorus levels in the
鈥? Amendments that reduce ammonia levels by
already phosphorus rich litter (phosphoric acid).
converting ammonia to ammonium may reduce
The most commonly used types of acidifiers are
ammonia emissions which can otherwise impact
Al+Clear (alum), Poultry Guard, and Poultry Litter
public health and environment. Reducing
Treatment (PLT).
ammonia losses will also improve the fertilizer
value of the litter. Odor complaints from
2. Alkaline materials such as agricultural lime,
neighbors may also be reduced.
hydrated or slaked lime, or burnt lime increase the
鈥? The grower or applicator should follow the
litter alkalinity (pH greater than 7), and convert
instructions provided by the manufacturer or
more of the ammonium into ammonia gas. The
supplier on how and when to apply the
amount of ammonia produced is governed by the
amendment to make sure that the material is
litter pH which will depend on the amount and
fully-activated and effective. Different
selection of the material. Combining ventilation and
amendments may require different application
heating with application of alkaline material
or activation methods to ensure full
between flocks can result in venting of large
effectiveness.
amounts of ammonia thus lowering ammonia levels
鈥? While applying amendments, the grower or
when the chicks or poults are placed in the house.
applicator should, at a minimum, wear
Adding alkaline material may also reduce soluble
protective gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirt,
phosphorus levels in the litter. However, using
goggles, and mask (for granular material).
alkaline materials as litter amendments results in the
鈥? The grower/applicator should maintain a
release of ammonia into the atmosphere that not
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the
only reduces the fertilizer value of the litter but may
supplier to be aware of the hazards associated
also have a negative impact on the environment. In
with the use of the material. The MSDS will
addition, if the alkaline material is not completely
also be useful to emergency responders in case
used up during the layout period (between flocks),
of an accident.
ammonia levels in the house may be increased when
fresh manure is added to the litter.
Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this article as a
convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing
of commercial products or services in this article does not imply endorsement
When using any of these litter amendments, be sure
by the NC Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar
to follow your integrator guides and label directions products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are
responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current
on the package. The following statements
regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current
summarize litter amendments. information about usage and examine a current product label before applying
any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the NC Cooperative
Extension Service in your county.
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter Page 3 Winter, 2006
secretions can spread viruses to multiple new
locations. A major problem with stopping the
Contacts for the North Carolina
spread of AI is that apparently healthy birds can be
Poultry Industry Newsletter
infected and transmitting the virus to other birds
On-Campus Contact before exhibiting any clinical signs or symptoms.
Brian W. Sheldon, Ph.D., Dept Extension Leader
This is why one of the best ways to prevent this
Dept of Poultry Science, NCSU
disease is to avoid contact with other poultry.
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/
email: brian_sheldon@ncsu.edu
telephone: 919-515-5407
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Field Faculty Contacts
Kathy Bunton, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
There are two forms of AI in poultry, one is highly
*Iredell, Wilkes and Alexander Counties
www.ces.ncsu.edu/iredell/ pathogenic or severe, and the other is low
email: kathy_bunton@ncsu.edu
pathogenic or milder. The symptoms of AI are
telephone: 704-878-3154
Dan Campeau, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry varied depending on the form of AI present, the
Chatham*, Harnett, Lee, Moore and
species of bird infected, and other diseases present
Randolph Counties
www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ in the infected birds. All cases of AI infection
email: dan_campeau@ncsu.edu
require laboratory confirmation. The most common
telephone: 919-542-8202
symptoms seen in infected chickens and turkeys
James Cochran, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Hoke and
include: depression and decreased activity,
*Robeson Counties
decreased feed consumption, decreased egg
www.ces.ncsu.edu/robeson/
email : james_cochran@ncsu.edu
production, coughing, sneezing, wet eyes, huddling,
telephone: 910-671-3276
and ruffled feathers. Birds infected with the severe
James Parsons, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
*Duplin, Sampson and Wayne Counties or hot form of AI may have edema or accumulation
www.ces.ncsu.edu/duplin/
of fluid in the comb and wattles, blueness of the
email : james_parsons@ncsu.edu
telephone: 910-296-2143 head area, and severe production drops. Severe
Jody Smith, Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
cases will show bleeding under the skin in the
Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Richmond,
Scotland, Stanly and *Union Counties shanks and high mortality. The less severe form
www.ces.ncsu.edu/union/
may not be as dramatic as the severe form, but it is
email: jody_smith@ncsu.edu
still important to eradicate low pathogenic AI.
telephone: 704-283-3743
(*Administratively housed in this county.)
Countries that have chosen to 鈥渓ive with鈥? the milder
form of AI have seen the virus become more
pathogenic, or hot, after circulating through millions
(continued from page 1 )
Preventing Avian Flu of birds. Any form of AI should be considered
very serious. That is why laboratory diagnosis is
individuals associated with poultry across state lines important. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and
and around the countryside. Whether your poultry Consumer Services鈥? (NCDA&CS) Animal
interests are large or small, everyone needs to Diagnostic Labs can test your birds for AI infection.
exercise caution when coming in contact with There is no charge to you for this service.
another poultry person or their birds. The AI virus Additional information on AI may be obtained from
is most often transmitted from one infected flock to the N.C. Poultry Federation, any County Extension
another flock by infected birds, people or office or NCDA&CS Diagnostic Laboratories.
equipment. AI infected birds secrete virus via nasal
secretions and feces. Moving infected birds would Prevention is the Key
naturally result in transferring the virus to the new
location. People most often spread viruses via Preventing the introduction of AI and other viruses
contaminated clothing and/or boots. AI can live in onto your farm should be the goal of all producers.
manure for up to 105 days, so it could easily be Preventing the introduction of AI into your flock is
spread from one farm to another on soiled boots or not difficult to do if you follow some 鈥渃ommon
clothing. Equipment used on multiple farms that sense鈥? guidelines.
are contaminated with infective feces or nasal
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter Page 4 Winter, 2006
(continued from page 3)
Care of High Pressure Sodium Lights
Preventing Avian Flu in the Breeder House
Michael J. Wineland, Associate Professor of Poultry Science, Broiler
鈥? All avian species can be carriers of AI. All Breeder Specialist
flocks should be confined in order to avoid
High pressure sodium lamps are used in broiler
contact with any wild birds, especially
breeder houses because they are able to provide the
waterfowl.
鈥? high light intensity needed in the breeder houses
If you have a pond on your property do not
and can be operated efficiently. While the initial
encourage wild waterfowl to over-winter there.
cost of the lamps are considerably higher than an
After visiting your pond, change clothes and
incandescent lamp, this payback in longer life
boots before entering your poultry houses.
expectancies and more efficient operation make
鈥? Avoid sharing equipment with other poultry
them a good choice of light source. Additionally,
growers and do not visit their farms.
the increased spacing of the lamps along the length
of the house aid in reducing the capital cost of the
Additionally, Dr. Bob Hillman, Executive Director
lighting system.
of the Texas Animal Health Commission
recommends simple biosecurity measures that can
The efficiency of producing visible light is
be taken to help protect flocks:
considerably greater in high pressure sodium versus
the incandescent. Typically an incandescent will
1. 鈥淜eep a spare pair.鈥? Buy a pair of inexpensive
produce approximately 17 lumens/watt (100 watt
rubber boots, and wear them only on your own
lamp) compared to a 100 watt high pressure sodium
premises, to avoid 鈥榯racking in鈥? disease.
producing approximately 95 lumens/watt.
2. 鈥淕ive germs the brush off!鈥? Use a long-handled
Typically a high pressure sodium lamp may have a
brush to scrape off manure, mud or debris from
life expectancy of 24,000 hours. This life
tires, equipment or boots, then disinfect.
expectancy though can be modified under different
types of use. How long the lamps are burned after
3. 鈥淒isinfection prevents infection!鈥? Mix a
a start can dramatically influence the life
solution of three parts bleach to two parts water, and
expectancy. See table 1.
use it liberally to clean rubber boots and equipment
brought onto your farm. If visitors don鈥檛 want their
Table 1
vehicle tires sprayed with disinfectant, ask them to
park outside your gate. Other disinfectants that Starting Conditions Life Expectancy
work against AI virus and should be mixed (hours used per start) (Hours)
according to package labels include, detergents,
10 24,000
hypochlorites, alkalis, phenols, Virkon S and
gluteraldehyde.
5 18,000
4. 鈥淢ake visitors take cover.鈥? Don鈥檛 be shy about
2.5 13.440
asking visitors or customers to disinfect their
footwear -- or better yet, provide guests with 1.25 10,080
disposable shoe covers, or footwear worn only on
your place.
Life expectancy ratings for HPS are based on when
67% of the lamps have survived under particular
starting conditions. The normal rating is regarded
as the lamp operating 10 hours per start.
End of life characteristics of high pressure sodium
lamps can create management problems in a house.
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter Page 5 Winter, 2006
(continued from page 4) degree. He then returned to NC State University鈥檚
Care of High Pressure Sodium Lights Poultry Science Department to specialize in poultry
in the Breeder House disease research. Among his many lasting
contributions benefiting the state鈥檚 poultry industry,
Dr. Craig designed and oversaw the construction of
As the lamp approaches its life expectancy, it cycles
the Dearstyne Avian Disease Research Center
on and off because of an increase in resistance
located in Raleigh, NC. He later held the position
within the lamp developing. This may go unnoticed
of Senior Vice President of Technical Services for
and result in the breeders receiving insufficient light
Perdue Farms. Among the awards and honors he
stimulus. Once cycling starts to occur the lamp
received during his long career, Dr. Craig was
needs to be replaced immediately.
selected as the first industry recipient of the US
Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Distinguished Service
It is also important to keep in mind that fluorescent
Award for outstanding public service, and he
and high pressure sodium lamps will experience
received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the
lumen depreciation. In other words as the lamp
Delmarva Poultry Industry Association. Dr. Craig
ages they will gradually reduce their light output.
was respected and revered as an expert in his field,
Generally for high pressure sodium, by 40% of its
and he served on numerous state and national
rated life it will have depreciated approximately
scientific committees. On hand at the Federation鈥檚
10%.
special honorary luncheon to proudly accept Dr.
Craig鈥檚 award were his daughter, Melanie Craig of
Because we want to insure that we are providing the
Riverdale, Maryland, and his brother and sister-in-
intended amount of light it is important to follow a
law, Alan and Barbara Craig of Mount Holly, NC.
few simple rules for their care.
鈥? Hugh Gordon Maxwell, III, was also honored by the
To clean the lamps gently dust them with a soft
Federation as a 2005 Hall of Fame recipient for his
cloth. Try not to get oil from your skin on the
numerous contributions to the growth and
lamps.
鈥? development of North Carolina鈥檚 poultry food
Do not use a high pressure washer directly on
industry. Maxwell attended Campbell Junior
the lamp fixture.
鈥? College prior to entering NC State University where
Replace the lamps immediately when they start
he received his B.S. Degree in Poultry Science.
to cycle on and off.
Following his graduation from NC State, Maxwell
returned to his native Goldsboro and began his long
North Carolina Poultry Federation
and industrious career with Goldsboro Milling
Honors 2005 Hall of Fame Recipients Company, which was founded by his Grandfather,
鈥淢r. Hugh鈥? Maxwell, in 1916. Throughout the
Three poultry industry pioneers 鈥? Dr. Frank R. years, Maxwell contributed his knowledge, time and
Craig; H. Gordon Maxwell, III; and Edwin W. talents toward building the business, eagerly
Woodhouse 鈥? were inducted into the NC Poultry assuming leadership positions of increased
Federation鈥檚 Hall of Fame at a special honorary responsibility until he ultimately rose to the helm of
luncheon held recently in Raleigh, NC. President of Goldsboro Milling Company. As one
of the largest fully integrated turkey operations in
Dr. Frank R. Craig was posthumously honored by the world today, Goldsboro Milling Company and
the Poultry Federation for his far-reaching vision its affiliated operations employ over 3,500
and his numerous professional contributions to associates. In partnership with Smithfield Foods,
North Carolina鈥檚 entire poultry industry. Dr. Craig Goldsboro Milling Company annually produces
received both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in over 500 million pounds of turkey products. In
Agricultural Education and Poultry Science from addition to its successful turkey operations, the
NC State University, and he later attended the company is also a major pork producer and a major
University of Georgia鈥檚 School of Veterinary
Medicine where he was awarded his D.V.M.
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter Page 6 Winter, 2006
(continued from page 5)
North Carolina Poultry Federation
Honors 2005 Hall of Fame Recipients
landowner with extensive timber interests in both
North Carolina and Florida. Maxwell is well
known and highly respected by the citizens in his
beloved native community of Goldsboro and Wayne
County and across the State of North Carolina and
the nation. He was honored by the Poultry
Federation for his tireless dedication toward
building, advancing, and maintaining the success of
North Carolina鈥檚 poultry food industry.
Edwin W. Woodhouse was also recognized with a
2005 Hall of Fame Award for his long-time service
to the poultry industry. Woodhouse served as
Executive Director of the NC Poultry Federation for
33 years. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of
the NC Turkey Federation and of the NC Poultry
Processors Association. Outside of his NCPF staff
responsibilities, he helped North Carolina
agriculture by serving on the North Carolina
Legislature鈥檚 Forestry, Agriculture and Seafood
Legislative Study and Awareness Committee, and
on the Agriculture Committee for the Alternative
Energy Corporation. He also served as President of
the American Association of Poultry Federation
Executives, as a board member of the NC
Agribusiness Council, and on the Budget Review
Committee of the North Carolina Agricultural
Foundation in the College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences at North Carolina State University.
During his tenure as Executive Director, he
monitored legislation that had the potential of
having positive and/or negative impacts on various
aspects of the industry. He also worked closely
with faculty members at NC State University, with
the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, and with numerous other
agricultural organizations, such as the North
Carolina Feed Industry Association, North Carolina
Agribusiness Council, the North Carolina Farm
Bureau, and other North Carolina commodity
associations. He was acknowledged for his
numerous contributions to the stability and well-
being of North Carolina鈥檚 poultry food industry.
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