Characterization framework for broiler chicken’s bedding materials focusing on preventative health

Bedding materials have often been poorly characterized in multiple studies, although these studies have examined the impact of various bedding materials on the performance of broilers, their health status, and the environmental impact. The suggestions of less established bedding materials on the market are increasing independent of their characteristics. The objective of this study was to establish a standardized methodology for the characterization of bedding materials for broilers and to apply this to a range of collected bedding materials in order to support the transfer of existing scientific knowledge into practice. A total of 44 bedding materials were collected and categorized into five distinct groups (strawy material, woody material, pellets, damp material, and husks) and quantified using quantitative (volume and particle size), chemical (dry matter, raw ash, acid-insoluble ash, element analysis, mycotoxins), absorbency (water binding and water holding capacity), and acid-base balance parameters (pH and buffer capacity). A higher raw ash content and the elevated amount of some analyzed elements in the dry matter was found to result in a higher pH buffer capacity, while a higher proportion of medium particle size was associated with higher water holding capacity. Furthermore, the results indicated that the dry matter and absorbency capacity parameters should be examined on the original sized samples. The acid-base balance could be applied in both ground and original sized samples. Overall, an evaluation scheme could be implemented, for evaluation of bedding materials.