Broiler and turkey litter and caged layer waste (commonly referred to as dried poultry waste or DPW) can be mixed with corn and fed to cattle and other ruminants (e.g., sheep and goats). While corn may be the most popular ingredient to mix with litter, any number of palatable feeds in addition to corn can be used to mix with litter, such as wheat, milo, commercial grain mixes, and soybean hulls. These cost-effective mixtures are relatively inexpensive, yet performance will be adequate if good-quality litter is used. Feeding these mixtures has been a common practice for many years in the beef cattle industry with no adverse effects on the animals’ growth or quality of meat and other food products processed from them for human consumption.
Litter is a good source of protein, energy, and minerals, especially for brood cows and stocker cattle (young, lightweight calves developed primarily on forage-based diets until they reach a desired weight), which are the backbone of the cattle industry, and its use as a feed ingredient helps conserve nutrients and offset other production costs. Beef producers can use large amounts of litter, provided it is of reasonably good quality and suitable for feeding. Nutrients in the litter (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and various minerals are recycled to the land when excreted in the ruminants’ manure. Therefore, even if the litter must be transported long distances, feeding it to ruminants can be an economical and environmentally sound waste management practice.
Throughout the country, broiler litter has been used as a feed stuff for more than 40 years without any recorded harmful effects on humans who have consumed the products of these animals. Carefully applied safety precautions – pretreatment of raw litter (ensiling, deep stacking, or pelleting to ensure pathogen control), observing a 15-day withdrawal period before slaughter, not feeding litter to lactating dairy cows, and not feeding litter with a high copper concentration to copper-sensitive sheep – are sufficient to address health concerns.
Most beef cattle producers take into account public perception of beef when considering using waste byproducts as feed. There is an apparent reluctance on the part of the general population, as well as some beef producers, to accept broiler litter as a cattle feed. Even though no problems arise because of feeding litter to cattle, perception of litter as a cattle feed is often based on misinformation. However, consumers readily accept organically grown vegetables grown on composted broiler litter. And mushrooms, grown on compost mixtures including broiler litter, go directly from the mushroom shed to the grocery store. The process by which a plant assimilates nutrients into its tissues is much less complicated than the process by which a cow does the same thing; a cow’s food is broken down and processed much more completely. Yet, many consumers have a hard time accepting litter as a feed ingredient.
It is important that the beef industry avoid a controversy over the healthfulness of beef. However, litter is most commonly fed to brood cows and stocker cattle that are not usually marketed as slaughter beef. Very little if any litter is used in the diets of finished cattle for slaughter (although, allowing a 15-day withdrawal period from feeding litter before slaughter, would be considered safe). So, the possibility of any human health hazard, either real or imagined, is very remote. Broiler litter as a cattle feed offers three primary advantages:
- It is an environmentally responsible use of a by-product.
- It provides an incentive for the proper management of this by-product by poultry and cattle producers alike.
- It economizes the production of beef cattle and supply of American beef.
- It recycles poultry litter nutrients to another animal production system e.g. uses them twice.
Regulations on Feeding Cattle
In 1967, when the FDA issued a policy statement which discouraged the feeding of litter and other types of animal wastes, there was relatively little knowledge available on feeding broiler litter. In 1980, after extensive testing by researchers at universities and USDA facilities, the FDA rescinded its earlier policy statement and announced that the regulation of litter should be the responsibility of the state departments of agriculture. Presently, no federal laws or regulations control the sale or use of broiler litter as a feed ingredient. Also, no state laws specifically regulate the feeding of animal waste and other by-products. However, federal law (1996 feed rule) prohibits feeding ruminant meat and bone meal back to ruminants. As a result, litter derived from flocks fed ruminant meat and bone meal as a component of the diet should not be fed to cattle. Several states have regulations that govern the sale though commercial markets of these products intended for sale as a feed ingredient.
Regardless of governmental regulation of the feedstuffs used, the beef producer has the responsibility of selling a wholesome animal that is free from drugs and toxic substances. To minimize risks from drug residues in the tissues of beef cattle that are fed litter, all litter feeding should be discontinued 15 days before the animals are marketed for slaughter. Regarding litter amendments, many broiler growers use alum (aluminum sulfate) or PLT (sodium bisulfate) or another acidifier on the litter to control ammonia in the broiler house. Studies with beef cattle fed alum-treated litter have shown mixed results. Alum binds phosphorus and may result in a phosphorus deficiency. Additional research is needed on the feeding value of litter treated with additives that reduce environmental emissions. Sodium bisulfate is approved for use in pet foods and, therefore, given the application conditions and approval for use in pet food, sodium bisulfate use in litter would likely pose little production risk.
Nutritional Value of Litter
Bedding materials used in broiler houses include wood shavings, sawdust, rice hulls, peanut hulls, straw, and others. The type and amount of bedding material used in a broiler house and the number of flocks grown on the litter are not standardized or regulated and can vary considerably, affecting nutritional value of the litter, which should always be tested before being used as a feed ingredient for ruminants. Other factors such as broiler house management, method of litter removal, moisture, and feather content can add variation in litter composition and quality.
Moisture
The amount of moisture content in litter is determined by the management of the watering and ventilation systems in the broiler house. Though moisture content is not an important measure of nutrient value, it will determine the physical quality of the feed. The moisture content of litter does not vary significantly between fresh litter and litter that has been stacked for six months. If the moisture content of a feed mix is 25 percent or more, it will not flow easily through an auger. However, a moisture content of 12 percent or less may mean the ration will be dusty and less palatable to cattle. Litter should contain at least 20 percent moisture to process properly.
Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)
When compared to grain, the TDN value of broiler litter is fairly low. However, litter that has a calculated value of 50 percent TDN (calculated from crude protein and crude fiber values) and is comparable to medium-quality hay, making it a valuable energy source for both stocker cattle and brood cows.
Crude Protein
The protein in broiler litter is usually a very inexpensive source for cattle. The average crude protein content of broiler litter is in the 23-25 percent range. More than 40 percent of the crude protein in litter can be in the form of non-protein nitrogen. This non-protein nitrogen is mostly uric acid excreted by poultry. Young ruminants do not utilize non-protein nitrogen as readily as more mature animals. Therefore, for best performance, feed broiler litter to beef cattle weighing over 400 pounds. Even though good-quality broiler litter is approximately equal to good-quality alfalfa hay, based on nutrient analysis, broiler litter is not as palatable as other common feedstuffs, and some cattle may require a period of time to become adjusted to litter.
Bound Nitrogen
When feed ingredients are overheated, the nitrogen becomes insoluble (bound) and digestibility is reduced. Bound nitrogen in litter samples tends to average around 15 percent. However, in litter that has been overheated, bound nitrogen may be 50 percent or more of total nitrogen. Studies have indicated that as the amount of bound nitrogen increases, the dry matter digestibility decreases. Therefore, overheating significantly reduces the feeding value of litter. Methods for managing the temperature of stored litter are discussed in the section on processing and storing broiler litter.
Crude Fiber or Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF)
The fiber in broiler litter comes mainly from the initial bedding material (shavings, sawdust, rice hulls, peanut hulls, straw, etc.). ADF is more highly correlated with digestibility than crude fiber; therefore, some laboratories analyze feedstuffs for ADF in lieu of crude fiber. The fiber in litter cannot effectively meet the ruminant’s need for fiber because cattle also need long forage (hay) to properly maintain their digestive systems. Cattle fed litter naturally crave and readily consume long forage. Even though the fiber content of litter may be high, cattle should receive a daily minimum of two pounds of long hay per animal (or cottonseed hulls may be included in a litter-grain mixture at 10 percent of the total mix to eliminate the need for long hay).
Minerals
Broiler litter is an excellent source of minerals. In fact, brood cows fed a daily diet of 80 percent litter and 20 percent grain with two to three pounds of hay consume five times more calcium and phosphorus than required. The excess minerals are not a problem except under specific conditions. A calcium level in litter of over two percent, in the presence of an imbalance of other minerals, can cause milk fever in beef cows at calving. This risk can be reduced by removing brood cows from a litter ration or by providing at least half of their feed as hay or other roughage 30 days prior to calving. Researchers have tried altering the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) in litter-based diets to reduce the probability of milk fever. Altering the DCAD of diets for dairy cattle has been effective at reducing milk fever. However, research with poultry litter suggests reducing litter may be a more effective alternative. Cattle producers have also had success in reducing milk fever by adding magnesium oxide (one to two ounces per head per day) or salt (70 pounds per ton of mix) to the litter-corn ration. Brood cows consuming broiler litter at calving should be checked often to monitor milk fever status.
Micro-minerals such as copper, iron, manganese, and zinc are also present in larger amounts in litter compared to conventional feed ingredients. Copper, for example, is usually not fed at more than 100 ppm in beef cattle diets. Higher levels can cause copper toxicity. A brood cow herd fed broiler litter during a 120-day winter feeding period could receive more than 600 ppm of copper. The excess copper builds up in the liver tissue, but it is usually not harmful. The copper tissue level usually returns to normal during the summer grazing period, when no litter is consumed.
Young stocker cattle fed a growing ration of 50 percent litter and 50 percent grain will consume copper in excess of 225 ppm of diet. Young cattle, especially those compromised by disease, can tolerate this high level of copper for only 180 to 200 days. Feeding stockers on broiler litter for less than 180 days will significantly reduce copper toxicity problems.
Ash
Ash in litter is made up of minerals from feed, broiler excrement, bedding material, and soil from the poultry house floor. Ash content is one of the important measures of litter quality. Ash contents of more than 28 percent are too high and should not be fed to beef cattle. This can interfere with rumen digestion and mineral utilization. Most soil is incorporated into litter during removal from the broiler house and loading on trucks for transport. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals make up about 12 percent of the ash in broiler litter; the remaining ash is from soil. Be careful to keep the ash content, especially the soil percentage as low as possible if litter is to be used as cattle feed.
Summary of Broiler Litter Composition
Litter quality can be extremely variable. Therefore, all litter to be used as a beef cattle ration should be analyzed to determine nutrient content. Litter used for feed should have at least 18 percent crude protein and less than 28 percent ash. Litter with too much ash is not suitable as beef cattle feed. No more than 25 percent of the crude protein should be bound or insoluble. The number of flocks reared on the litter prior to cleanout of the broiler house affects the quality of the litter; the more flocks reared (up to approximately 12 to 15 flocks), the higher the litter is in nutrients. Charred litter (litter that has been exposed to too much heat during storage and has a burnt wood appearance) is only half as digestible as litter stored in stacks that were protected from excessive heat. Also, inspect and verify that no raw litter is being fed and that all litter has gone through a heat before feeding.
Processing and Storing Broiler Litter
Broiler litter, like any other feed ingredient, has potential risks associated with its use. It is not uncommon for litter to contain some broken metal or cable from the normal equipment breakdowns in a poultry house. This can lead to hardware disease if these items are ingested. Many common feed ingredients have risks associated with pesticide residues, mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, and even nitrate toxicity. Broiler litter also has potential hazards associated with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, etc. Therefore, all litter, regardless of its source, should be properly processed to eliminate pathogenic organisms.
Many broiler producers compost normal poultry farm mortality using broiler litter. While an approved and widely used method of mortality disposal, composted mortalities should not be used as a feed source for beef cattle. The potential for disease transmission to cattle has not been determined, and until research is complete, it is recommended that such litter not be used as a feed ingredient.
The most economical and practical method of processing litter is deep stacking. Litter should be stacked five to six feet deep for proper heat development. Avoid stacking litter over six feet deep to lessen the risk of overheating and reduce the potential fire danger from spontaneous combustion. Average quality litter weighs about 32 pounds per cubic foot. Therefore, litter stacked six feet deep would weigh about 192 pounds per square foot of floor space. With adequate moisture, a temperature of 130°F or higher will occur in the stack within five days.
To ensure elimination of Salmonella and other potential pathogens, litter should be deep stacked for at least three weeks before feeding. Studies have demonstrated that pathogenic bacteria (intentionally added to litter at levels higher than encountered in infected litter) were killed when litter was deep stacked for five days. Longer stacking times are recommended to ensure a good margin of safety from pathogens. Modern ventilation systems in newer poultry houses can lead to lower moisture levels in litter compared to older houses. Low litter moisture can prevent heating to the 130°F threshold, so it is critical that producers monitor litter temperature during the deep stacking process. Ideal litter contains about 25 percent moisture at the time of deep stacking. It may be necessary to add water to achieve proper heating if moisture content is 20 percent or less.
In addition to heat generated in stacked litter, ammonia resulting from the degradation of uric acid and urea, which are common nitrogen compounds in litter, also kills pathogenic organisms. At 140°F, bacteria such as Salmonella, tubercule bacilli (associated with avian and bovine tuberculosis), and pathogens excreted with feces are killed within an hour. There is essentially no risk involved with transmitting diseases through the feeding of litter if the litter has been deep stacked for a period of three weeks or more, and the stack has reached an internal temperature of 130°F or more.
Mycotoxins such as aflatoxin are not a cause for concern when feeding litter to cattle. Molds that produce mycotoxins do not grow well in litter. Litter releases ammonia which is toxic to molds. Also, the growth of molds is limited to surfaces exposed to air. Deep-stack processing of litter helps to curtail mold growth.
Broiler litter is generally handled in bulk and transported in large amounts. Thus, some beef producers may store litter in 100- to 300-ton stacks. With proper storage, there is very little loss in quality. However, some precautions must be taken to ensure a good quality litter at feeding time. Too much heat and excessive storage times reduces the quality of broiler litter in the stack. Excessive heating reduces the digestibility of the dry matter in the litter. Fresh stacked litter develops heat spontaneously.
Excessive heating (greater than 140°F) can be controlled by limiting the moisture content of the litter to 25 percent and by limiting the litter’s exposure to air. Some producers use farm tractors to exclude oxygen by packing broiler litter. This process reduces overheating but is also expensive. Storing litter in an upright silo has been shown to be an excellent storage procedure. However, litter is abrasive on silage-handling equipment.
Sealing the litter stack with plastic (6-millimeter polyethylene) to exclude oxygen is the least expensive method to control overheating. Use plastic if the stack is likely to overheat or if it is located outside. To destroy pathogens in the litter, the temperature should reach at least 130°F. If the temperature reaches 160°F or more, much of the protein becomes bound and digestibility decreases.
Suggested Rations
Table 1. Suggest Rations (1,2)
| Ration Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Brood Cows | Average Milking Cows | Superior Milking Cows and First-Calf Heifers | Stockers(3) | |
| Ingredients | ————————————–Pounds per ton——————————- | |||
| Broiler Litter | 1,600 | 1,400 | 1,300 | 1,000 |
| Corn | 400 | 600 | 700 | 1,000 |
| Vitamin A(4) | + | + | + | + |
| Broiler Litter:Corn Ratio | 80:20 | 70:30 | 65:35 | 50:50 |
| ———Nutritional content, % as-fed and dry matter ( ) basis———- | ||||
| Dry Matter | 82 | 82 | 83 | 84 |
| TDN | 48 (59) | 52 (63) | 54 (65) | 60 (72) |
| Crude Protein | 18 (22) | 17 (20) | 16 (19) | 14 (17) |
| Acid Detergent Fiber | 20 (24) | 18 (21) | 17 (20) | 13 (16) |
| Calcium | 1.5 (1.8) | 1.3 (1.6) | 1.2 (1.5) | 0.9 (1.1) |
| Phosphorus | 1.1 (1.3) | 1.0 (1.2) | 0.9 (1.1) | 0.8 (1.0) |
1-Adapted from Gadberry 2020.
2-In addition to these rations, provide at least 2 pounds long hay or other roughage daily per animal per day.
3-Bovatec or Rumensin can be added to feed at 150 milligrams per day for animals weighing less than 700 pounds and 200 milligrams per day for animals weighing more than 700 pounds. For finishing cattle, increase grain to 70 percent and add 10 pounds of limestone per ton of mix.
4-Add vitamin A at 1,500 IU per pound of feed or inject individual animals with 1 to 2 million units of vitamin A when the feeding period starts and every 2 to 3 months thereafter.
The two deficiencies associated with litter-grain mixes are vitamin A and fiber. Add vitamin A to litter-grain mixes at 1,500 IU per pound or inject individual cattle. Provide hay, pasture, cottonseed hulls, or some other roughage to meet fiber needs. Because nutrient levels in broiler litter can be quite variable, the suggested rations in Table 1 should be used only as a guide. To obtain the desired animal performance, adjust litter:grain ratios and feed consumption. When 20 percent or more of the daily diet contains litter, additional minerals should usually not be needed except plain salt, which should be provided free-choice. Corn is usually the preferred grain to mix with litter. However, other high-energy/low-protein concentrates, when properly processed, may be used, such as soybean hulls and hominy. Litter should not be ground. Grinding causes the litter to be dusty and less palatable.
In Table 1, Ration 1 is for dry beef cows until 3 to 4 weeks before calving. A 1,000-pound dry cow requires 18 to 22 pounds of Ration 1 daily during the winter months. Provide at least two pounds long hay daily or another roughage source to maintain normal rumen function.
Ration 2 is formulated for brood cows with average milking ability. Feed approximately 22 pounds daily. This ration furnishes adequate nutrients during the winter months. Provide at least two pounds long hay or other roughage daily.
Ration 3 is formulated for superior milking cows and first-calf heifers. Feed about 26 pounds daily to 1,000-pound cows and 22 pounds daily to 900-pound first-calf heifers. Provide at least two pounds daily of long hay or other roughage source.
Ration 4 is formulated for growing stocker cattle. Stocker cattle weighing 500 pounds will consume about three percent of their body weight of this ration. Healthy stocker cattle that have been dewormed, vaccinated, implanted, and otherwise managed as recommended gain an average of two pounds daily when fed this ration. Provide at least two pounds daily of long hay or other roughage source.
Feeding Ration 4 to stockers during the typical winter deficit grazing period has been shown to improve total gain. Research has also demonstrated that stocking rates can be increased, and rates of gain maintained by feeding the ration free-choice on winter grazing crops. On summer pasture alone, stocker cattle have produced only one pound of gain. Providing Ration 4 free-choice increased rate of gain to more than two pounds daily and increased the total pounds of beef produced. Therefore, supplementing both winter and summer grazing for stocker cattle with a broiler litter ration often results in an increased economic return.
The rations in Table 1 or broiler litter alone may be fed free choice to cattle by adding eight to 15 percent salt to self-restrict intake to a desirable level. Some cattle, especially calves (up to five percent or more of the herd), may not readily accept broiler litter. Separate these animals and adapt them slowly to litter by feeding more grain or adding molasses to the litter-grain mix. Some animals may have to be fed alternative feedstuffs or be sold. However, very few animals fail to adapt to litter-grain mixtures when given adequate time.
Summary
Broiler litter has been used as a cattle feed ingredient for over 40 years without any harmful effects to humans who have consumed products from these animals. The purpose of this publication is neither to promote nor condemn the feeding of litter, but rather to provide information on properly using litter as a feed ingredient. Because of the unique ability of ruminants to digest forages, other fibrous materials, and inorganic nitrogen such as urea, there is growing awareness worldwide that agricultural by-products such as broiler litter and DPW can serve as low-cost, alternative feed stuffs for these animals. As the need for economy and responsible waste management practices becomes more urgent, broiler litter is a viable alternative feed ingredient for beef cattle.
As animal production continues to increase and to concentrate geographically, more waste is produced than can be assimilated by land application alone. However, when litter is properly processed and stored, it can be used as a dietary supplement for beef cattle, resulting in a lower winter feed cost for cattle and a cost-effective way to increase the average weight gain of cattle during the stocker phase – the phase that begins after weaning and continues until the cattle are placed in the feedlot. This alternative to land application recycles the litter nutrients, helps reduce the environmental risks and adds value to the litter. Management practices on the farm affect litter’s quality. Therefore, attempts to market litter as a quality feed ingredient begin with a focus on management techniques on the broiler farm.
University of Missouri Extension has written an updated article on this subject that you can find on their website.
References
Bagley, C. P., and R. R. Evans. 1995. Broiler litter as a feed or fertilizer in livestock operations. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Gadberry, S. 2020. Feed broiler litter to beef cattle. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Publ. No. FSA 3016. August.
McCaskey, T. A., A. H. Stephenson, and B. G. Ruffin. 1990. Factors that influence the marketability and use of broiler litter as an alternative feed ingredient. Pages 197-203 in Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Agricultural and Food Processing Wastes. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Chicago, IL.
Mullenix, K., and K. Stanford. 2020. Feeding broiler litter to beef cattle. Cooperative Extension Service. Auburn University. Auburn, AL. Publ. No. ANR-0557. September.
Ruffin, B. G., N. J. Van Dyke, and T. A. McCaskey. 1990. Feeding broiler litter to beef cattle. Circular ANR-557. Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn University. Auburn, AL.
Tabler, T., A. Brown, G. Hagood, M. Farnell, C. McDaniel, and J. Kilgore. 2015. Nutrient content of Mississippi broiler litter. Mississippi Sate University Extension Service. Publ. No. 2878.