The Graduate Program in Environmental Management, School of Social and Environmental Development, National Institute of Development Administration, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
*For correspondence: Tel: +66 2 7273117; Fax: +66 2 3744280; E-mail: tawatc.s@nida.nida.ac.th; stawadchai@hotmail.com
1Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
To modify broiler litter (BL) by fermentation and/or pelleting as a feed ingredient, BL samples were collected from twenty randomly selected farms in Saraburi province, Thailand in December, 2006. All the farms used rice husks as the bedding materials. Prior to and after the modifications, the nutritive values and health risks were assessed. After fermentation, most of the nutrient contents tended to decrease (P<0.05). By contrast, moisture and gross energy content increased (P<0.05). Pelleting did not alter the nutrient content of the BL. Parasites, aflatoxins and antibiotics were not found in any BL samples. Pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals and sodium chloride were detected in all samples. All pathogens and heavy metals decreased after processing. In conclusion, fermentation followed by pelleting could eliminate health risks and increase the potential scope for utilizing BL as an animal feed.
Broiler litter, diet, fermentation, nutritive value, pelleting, safety
