Optimizing broiler production: Effect of inclusion of inorganic litter supplements on litter characteristics, growth, immunity, and welfare of broiler chickens

Broiler production is a key component of poultry systems, and efforts to enhance bird performance and welfare are ongoing. Among the key interventions used to enhance broiler production and welfare, various litter amendments are being used to optimize broiler production. The current study was thus an attempt to holistically assess the impact of adding two common inorganic litter supplements, calcium carbonate and alum sulfate, alone or in combination to saw dust bedding on the growth performance, litter quality, immune response and welfare of birds. A total of 160 White Leghorn chicks were randomly assigned to four groups: T1 (sawdust only), T2 (sawdust + calcium carbonate at 50 g/kg), T3 (sawdust + alum sulfate at 25 g/kg), and T4 (sawdust with both supplements). Birds in T2, T3, and T4 showed significantly higher weekly body weight and weight gain than the control group (T1), while the T1 group had higher feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Immune responses were also significantly improved in the treatment groups. Additionally, litter from T2, T3, and T4 had lower moisture content, ammonia levels, nitrogen, viable count, pH, parasitic load, and reduced cake formation compared to T1. Welfare indicators, such as footpad health, were better in the treatment groups, emphasizing the benefits of adding inorganic supplements to litter for improved bird health, performance, and environmental conditions.