Sand Litter Temperatures During Brooding

Sand is being evaluated in broiler houses as a potential bedding material. A concern regarding sand temperature has arisen as a possible brooding problem. In this study, surface and subsurface temperatures of bedding materials were evaluated for sand and pine shavings (PS) when used as litter in broiler houses. Temperatures were evaluated for new and used sand compared to new and used PS. Sand and PS were placed into 61 × 61 cm (2 × 2 ft) plastic trays 7.62 cm (3 in) deep. Electric brooders were placed 38.10 cm (15 in) above the bedding surface and set at 45°C. Maximum temperature and time to reach maximum temperature were measured. Temperature measurements were taken on the surface and 7.62 cm below the surface with an electric temperature/logger. Results showed a significant maximum surface temperature difference (P < 0.05) only when new sand and new PS were compared (38.0 vs. 43.5°C). There were no significant differences in maximum temperature at 3 in below the surface (33.0 vs. 32.7°C) for PS and sand. Time to reach maximum temperature for new PS and sand surfaces were also NS (9.1 vs. 7.6 h), along with the measurements at 7.62 cm below surface (11.6 vs. 9.7 h). No significant differences were found when comparing maximum temperature and time to maximum temperature between used sand and PS at surface or 7.62 cm deep. In conclusion, new sand does not require extra heating time before chick placement in warm weather. Due to a lower maximum temperature (5.5°C less than PS), new sand should be placed during summer months. Used sand with adequate organic matter was numerically, but not significantly, cooler than new or used PS.