| dc.description.abstract | Background: The beneficial effects of Bacillus licheniformis spore-forming bacterium, highly resistant to environmental influences, on gut flora and its potential for
beneficial properties in organic matter treatment have been published previously.
This bacterium may contribute to the reduction of pollutant gas concentrations
through protein degradation, decomposition of animal carcasses and feathers, and
reduction of ammonia emissions, thus leading to performance growth through
improved animal welfare aspects.
Objectives: The aim of the study was whether and to what extent the bacterium
Bacillus licheniformis in zeolite carrier medium improves indoor air quality by inhibiting ammonia formation. The authors also wanted to know whether the product
had a positive effect on performance indicators (feed conversion, live weight).
Materials and Methods: The effect of Bacillus licheniformis at a concentration
of 5.2x108 CFU/g in zeolite carrier medium (AlomPur®, Biovéd 2005 Ltd., Pinkamindszent, Hungary) was investigated in commercial turkey flocks at normal
(2.5 birds/m2) and increased (3.5 birds/m2) stocking densities for 18 weeks fattening period. Birds were placed to the experimental farm at 6 weeks of age and
weight gain was measured weekly until 24 weeks of age. Air quality was assessed
by recording ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations. In addition, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated at 20, 22 and 24 weeks of age.
Results and Discussion: After evaluating the experimental results, it was
found that the litter treatment significantly improved air quality by reducing
ammonia concentrations as the rearing period progressed in the treated groups
compared to controls at both normal and higher stocking densities. There were
also significant differences in average weights between groups from week 15 to
week 24. Feed conversion ratios at the ideal slaughter age of 20–21 weeks of age
were slightly better in the litter treated groups compared to the control groups.
However, the positive effect on feed conversion ratio could no longer be observed
at age of 23–24 weeks. | en_US |
