Using natural sorbent in poultry farming

The paper presents the results of production and experimental studies on the use of bedding from a cellulose-containing and natural component (diatomite) as part of the bedding material in poultry farms to improve the sanitary condition and reduce the negative impact on the environment. When using modified diatomite as bedding (1 cm and 0.5 cm), the moisture content of the bedding is reduced in comparison with the control (sawdust) by 13.9 and 36.5 %, respectively. The use of 0.5 and 1 cm of diatomite as bedding reduces the formation of waste by 2-3 times, respectively. Based on the presented measurements of the concentration of ammonia content, the best indicator was in the 2nd section, where diatomaceous earth was used as a bedding with a layer of 1 cm, the difference with the control group was noticeable already on the 21st day of cultivation and amounted to 1.5 mg/m3 (68.2 %), at the end of cultivation - 1.4 mg/m3 (43.75 %). Based on the results of the research, the amount of litter formed after the completion of the experiment was determined. The greatest decrease in the formation of droppings was noted in the 1st section compared to the control by 13 %. Laboratory studies of the bedding showed that in the experimental groups with diatomite, in comparison with the control group, no oocysts of eimerium were found in the litter, the growth of the total microbial number was reduced by 42.7-49.7 % and mold spores by 41.7-83.3 %, this fact confirms that diatomite has adsorbing and antimicrobial properties and is involved in the disinfection of the litter from microbial contamination by bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The use of cellulose-containing and natural component bedding (modified diatomite) as part of the bedding material in poultry farms will help reduce pollutant emissions, thereby reducing the greenhouse effect at the level of one poultry farm.