Studies of quality parameters of variety ensiled broiler litter

Various mixtures were tested in separate experiments with the aim of improving the conservation of broiler litter (BL) by ensiling. BL was mixed with orange peels (OP), molasses, potatoes and water, in various proportions, to determine the best combinations for conserving BL and the seasonal by-products. The results obtained with the mixtures BL-OP and BL-potatoes indicated that each ingredient retained some of its own fermentation characteristics, but there was also mutual interaction between the components of the mixture which improved preservation. Results indicated that such mixtures should not contain more than 50% (on FW basis) of the by-product (OP or potatoes). It was hard to reduce the pH of BL below pH 5.0, and the addition of 8% molasses was the only treatment which reduced the pH to 4.9. Probably the high nitrogen and mineral contents of the BL prevent pH reduction, owing to their high buffer capacity.