Abstract

The present invention is a biological waste treatment product that utilizes the activity of scientifically selected bacteria to control the decomposition of poultry litter thereby improving litter quality. The end result is improved health and performance of the birds while also reducing the incidence of foot scabs and other lesions caused by poor litter conditions. Application of the unique combination of bacteria of the present invention results in several biochemical effects proving to be beneficial to the quality of the litter and thus the health and performance of the birds. Specially, bacteria of the present invention produce broad spectrum antimicrobial proteins active against gram (-) bacteria. The reduction of gram (-) bacteria reduces the level of microbial pathogens in the litter as well as reduces the population of gram (-) bacteria that break down uric acid into ammonia. In addition, bacteria in the present invention utilize uric acid as a substrate thus inhibiting the reduction of uric acid to ammonia. Further, bacteria of the present invention produce proteolytic enzymes which break down the protein excretion products from birds which improves the litter quality by reducing the water holding capacity of the litter. Finally, bacteria of the present invention also produce organic acids from starch fermentation which reduces the litter pH and thereby decreases the pathogenic and urilytic bacteria in the litter.

Other References

• Hulet, "Poultry Litter Amendments Showing Beneficial Effects", Poultry Digest , pp. 12 and 14, Jun., 1997
• Mallinson et al., "Litter Management is Critical to Food Safety, Performance", Feedstuffs, pp. 47-49 and 54, May 19, 1997
• Malone et al., "Ammonia Control in the Broiler House-Products and Procedures", Proceedings to the DeMarva Broiler Housing & Flock Supervisors' Conference, pp. 22-35, Sep. 18, 199