Effects of contaminated bedding materials on its microbial load and on broiler chickens performance, foot health and meat quality

Bedding material is an important component of the broiler rearing environment and can influence litter moisture and microbial conditions during production. Changes in these environmental conditions may subsequently affect overall performance and meat quality. This study evaluated the effects of bedding contamination levels on broiler growth, foot health, carcass characteristics, meat quality and litter microbial load. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross-308 chicks were assigned to three treatments with eight replicates each: new bedding (N), previously used bedding (U), and a 50:50 mixture (M). Body weight gain in week 3 was significantly higher in group U than in group M (p = 0.037). Mortality was higher in week 2 in group M (p = 0.030). Overall growth performance, carcass traits and foot health showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Meat pH, L*, a*, Hue, shear force and texture profile were unaffected (p > 0.05); however, cooking loss (p = 0.009), b* (p = 0.021) and Chroma (p = 0.018) differed significantly. The initial and final litter microbial loads (Coliforms, E scherichia coli, total moulds and total aerobic mesophilic bacteria) varied across the treatments (p < 0.001). In conclusion, properly managed reuse of bedding materials represents a feasible litter management strategy for broiler production.