Microclimate of broiler cage with rice husk absorbent

Abstract

Air polution is one of the side effect of broiler production. Broiler chickens produce excreta that contains high ammonia which is derived from the high intake of protein feed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adsorbent made of rice husk with different levels of activators on ammonia in the cage of broiler chickens, the temperature heat index (THI), and litter pH. The materials used were 180 broiler chickens kept in an open cage. The research was carried out utilizing a Completely Randomized Design, utilizing treatments of rice husk adsorbent activated with HCl at the concentrations of 0N, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, and 5N, then mixed into the litter for flooring at the start of maintenance. The treatments were replicated five times, and the observed variables were ammonia level of litter cage, temperature heat index (THI) and litter pH. The analysis of variance showed that absorbents made of rice husk showed non-significant (P>0.5) effect on the level of ammonia letter of broiler chickens during finisher period, and litter pH. It is concluded that rice husk adsorbent that is activated with HCl is feasible for reducing the level of ammonia, THI, and litter pH of broiler cage. The HCl 2 N activator was the best treatment for activating rice husk adsorbent.