IMPACT OF TWO POULTRY LITTER FERMENTATION METHODS ON THE PRODUCTIVE AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

Poultry litter fermentation is a sanitary practice that contributes to the elimination of residual pathogens and improves the hygienic conditions of the rearing environment, thereby helping to reduce production costs and environmental impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two poultry litter fermentation methods on the productive and economic performance of broiler chickens. Two treatments were compared: aerobic fermentation (34,272 birds) and anaerobic fermentation (36,288 birds). The evaluated parameters included final live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality, along with economic indicators such as the European Efficiency Factor (EEF) and production cost. The results indicate that aerobic fermentation had a better performance than anaerobic fermentation, with higher final body weight (2.49 kg vs. 2.46 kg; p<0.05), similar feed intake (3.57 kg vs. 3.53 kg; p>0.05), higher feed conversion efficiency (1.43 vs. 1.45; p<0.05), lower mortality (3.32% vs. 3.78%; p<0.05), lower FEE (482 vs. 466; p<0.05), and lower production cost per kg (S/ 0.011 vs S/ 0.014; p<0.05). In conclusion, aerobic fermentation of poultry litter proved to be technically and economically more efficient than anaerobic fermentation, by enhancing productive performance and profitability in broiler chicken farming.