Evaluation of chopped switchgrass and chopped bermudagrass as litter materials over multiple heavy broiler flocks

Chopped switchgrass (SG) and chopped bermudagrass (BG) were evaluated as alternatives to pine shavings (PS) for broiler litter over 3 flocks. Twenty-four pens were filled with the 3 litter types. Live performance parameters included mortality, BW, BW gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Mortality was not different for litter type or flock. All other live variables were different (P < 0.0001) for flock. Mean foot pad scores (FPS) were only different (P < 0.0001) for flock. Litter performance variables included litter and cake moisture content (MC), pH, litter ammonia concentration, and cake nutrient values [nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N–P–K)]. Litter and cake MC differed by litter type and flock (P < 0.0001). Litter MC was 1% lower for SG than BG or PS. Cake depth observations were similar for litter type. Litter pH differed by flock (P = 0.008) while cake pH differed for both litter type (P = 0.05) and flock (P < 0.0001). Beginning and ending litter ammonia concentration were different for flock (P < 0.0001). Potassium was different for both litter type (P = 0.04) and flock (P < 0.0001) while nitrogen and phosphorus differed only by flock (P < 0.0001). Chopped SG and BG performed as well as PS as a litter material over 3 grow-out cycles. Based on the results of this study, chopped grass materials appear to be a viable alternative to PS for broiler bedding.