Authors : U.B. Abubakar, Musa I. Waziri, L. Sa`idu, S.N.A. Sa`idu and A.M. Wakawa
Abstract: The rapid development of the poultry industry in Nigeria has resulted in an increase in the demand for poultry litter materials. Wood shaving is the most common and effective litter material used by the poultry industry in Nigeria though sawdust is also used to some extent by small poultry producers. The management of the deep litter in a poultry house is of the greatest importance and seems to be one of the most neglected aspects of poultry husbandry in Nigeria. It is frightening to see broilers, layers and breeders maintained throughout the winter months on accumulation of their own droppings. Parasitic and bacterial infection are highly likely and the most serious consequences of all are in breeder houses where wet litter can have a calamitous effect on the feet of the cocks causing accumulations of infected litter on the feet and subsequently leading to a fall in the level of fertility. Farmers here in Nigeria tend to pay little attention to litter management and concentrate on nutrition and disease control. The adoption of an appropriate strategy for litter management aiming at optimizing both bird performance and cost of production largely depends on the availability and good quality bedding material at affordable cost. The economic significance of good litter management practices are hereby highlighted in this study.
U.B. Abubakar, Musa I. Waziri, L. Sa`idu, S.N.A. Sa`idu and A.M. Wakawa, 2012. Litter and Ammonia Management in Nigerian Small Scale Poultry Industries: An Overveiw. Research Journal of Poultry Sciences, 5: 27-30.