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The Importance of Bedding in Poultry Farming
A clean and pathogen-free litter at the beginning of the production cycle can provide optimal growth conditions for broiler flocks. In most cases, wood shavings are used. However, when using wood shavings, how can one disinfect the litter to eliminate pathogens—especially fungi?
In this article, we have explained two different methods for disinfecting the litter, depending on the available equipment in the poultry unit.
It is worth noting that when using these methods, not only the litter but also all surfaces of the poultry house will be disinfected simultaneously, preparing the unit for quarantine conditions.
Additionally, if the reader is not familiar with the capabilities of fogging devices used for disinfection in poultry houses, we recommend reading the article titled “Introduction to Fogging and Related Terminology”
Using Hot or Cold Fogging Devices
Spread the wood shavings (litter) and place all equipment, including drinkers, feeders, etc., in position.
- For each cubic meter of the poultry house, pour 1.5 to 2.5 cc of Agri Germ or Desogerm 2a into the fogger tank. Then, add the same amount of regular water to the tank.
- If your fogger is of the hot type, begin fogging from the bottom upward. If it is of the cold type, start from the top downward.
- After fogging is complete, close all doors and windows and quarantine the hall for 24 hours.
Important: During fogging, it is mandatory to use a mask and goggles, or a special chemical protection mask.
Without Hot or Cold Fogging Devices
Sant Laboratory has developed a localized and proven method for poultry farmers who do not have access to cold or hot fogging equipment. This method is widely used in many poultry farms.
Interestingly, this method was developed by farmers themselves ten years ago using the product Desogerm 2a.
In this method, all you need is a car wash pump with a nozzle that can atomize the solution finely, and a 200-liter tank connected to the pump. The steps below are designed for an area of 1,000 square meters:
<h2>Step 1: Disinfecting the Floor and Walls</h2>- Prepare 200 liters of a 0.5% to 1% solution of Agri Germ
(approximately 200 liters of regular water mixed with 1 to 2 liters of Agri Germ). - Spray the prepared solution over the floor and up to 1 meter of the wall surfaces using the car wash pump.
- Then spread the wood shavings (litter) and arrange the equipment in place.
- Prepare 200 liters of a 2% solution of Desogerm 2a
(approximately 200 liters of water with 10 liters of desogerm 2a). - Spray the solution from above so that all surfaces of the poultry house are uniformly covered.
- Note: Try to apply the solution evenly and ensure the full 200 liters is used by the end of the hall.
Finally, close all doors and windows and quarantine the hall for 48 hours.
Conclusion
Proper disinfection of litter and surface areas at the beginning of each production cycle is one of the most important steps in preventing disease outbreaks and creating optimal conditions for broiler flock growth. The two methods introduced in this article—one using hot or cold fogging devices, and the other requiring no such equipment—allow poultry farmers with different levels of resources to create a clean, quarantined environment using effective disinfectants such as Agri Germ and Desogerm 2A at minimal cost.
Years of hands-on experience by farmers, along with technical support from Sant Laboratory, have shown that correct implementation of these steps not only reduces mortality rates but also significantly improves flock performance. It is strongly recommended that, before the start of any new cycle, one of these two methods be selected based on the facility's capabilities and carried out with precision.
