The level of nitrogen in fresh manure is about 1 %, but on well built-up deep litter it may be around 3 per cent nitrogen( nearly 20 % protein). It also contains about. 2 per cent phosphorus and 2 per cent potash, its value is about 3 times that of cattle manure. Hot weather safeguard: This is an important feature in a hot climate. The litter maintains its own constant temperature, so birds burrow into it when the air temperature is high and thereby cool themselves. Conversely, they can warm themselves in the same way when the weather is very cool. Accordingly, it is a valuable insulating agent.
Disadvantages of the Deep Litter System The cost of constructing a deep litter house is high.
Requires large quantity of litter, adding to the production cost. Wastage of feeds by birds. Cannibalism and pecking of eggs are common practices in layers under this system. If in anyway there is a disease outbreak it spreads faster in deep litter system. Difficult to detect unproductive birds in deep litter system.
( b) Slatted floor system: wire or wooden slatted floors are used instead of deep litter, which allow stocking rates to be increased to five birds / m 2 of floor space. Birds have reduced contact with feces and are allowed some freedom of movement.
Advantages of the Slatted Floor
System No chance of litter borne diseases.
Easy collection of droppings. Avoid wetting of litter during the rainy season.
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