Differences in fungal contamination of broiler litter between summer and winter fattening periods

Abstract

This study aimed to compare fungal contamination of poultry litter between warm and cold seasons. It was carried out in commercial production conditions over two five-week fattening periods: one in the summer (July-August) and one in the winter (December-January). Broilers were reared on a litter composed of chopped straw and sawdust. Litter fungal concentration and composition were investigated weekly, along with litter temperature, moisture, and pH. Litter concentration of total fungi increased over both fattening periods, with no differences in median concentrations between them. Season also had no effect on yeast, Aspergillus section Nigri, and Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Rhizopus spp. concentrations, while the Aspergillus section Flavi and Aspergillus spp. combined showed higher concentrations in the summer, and Mucor and Penicillium spp. in the winter. Total fungal concentration highly correlated with litter temperature, moisture, and pH, regardless of the season. Our findings can be useful in the assessment and control of potential harmful effect of fungi on the health of poultry and poultry farm workers.

Investigations of Histomonosis-Favouring Conditions: A Hypotheses-Generating Case-Series-Study

“…Another route of introduction was suspected by five farmers, who used freshly harvested straw as litter material (Table S5a). Numerous pathogens have already been detected in litter material [65,66]. Straw harvested from potentially contaminated fields in the vicinity of an affected farm could in turn be highly contaminated with H. meleagridis, whether solitary, adhering to dust particles, or in vectors.…”