ENHANCING BROILER PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE LITTER MANAGEMENT

January 7, 2026

Building the foundation for agribusiness growth

By PENJANI NZIMA

WHEN you walk into a successful broiler house, it’s not just the healthy, active birds that tell the story — it’s the floor beneath them. The litter. That humble layer of shavings, husks, or sawdust is far more than bedding. It’s a living foundation for bird health, growth, and farm profitability.

Yet, according to seasoned poultry farmer Pauline Chitema of Chilenga District in Zambia’s Lusaka Province, litter management is one of the most overlooked aspects of broiler production.

She indicated that most poultry farmers over look the aspect of proper litter management and ends up committing one of the most expensive mistakes without realizing it.

“You can give your birds the best feed, the best genetics, and still fail to get good results if your litter is bad,” Pauline emphasizes. “Litter management is not just about cleanliness — it’s about creating the right environment for your birds to thrive.”

The Hidden Cost of Bad Litter

Many poultry farmers tend to focus on feed quality, vaccination schedules and temperature control which is good, and yet they forget to inspect the condition of the litter in their poultry house which quietly deteriorates beneath the birds’ feet.

Ms. Chitema notes that this damp, caked floor is a fertile environment that could be robbing you of the much needed profits every single day.

1. Ammonia Build-Up: The Silent Growth Killer

When litter becomes wet and soiled, it releases ammonia gas. This is a colorless but dangerous irritant. Birds exposed to high ammonia levels suffer from watery eyes, poor breathing, and damaged lungs.

“Ammonia makes birds eat less and breathe harder,” Pauline explains. “You’ll notice slow growth and poor feed conversion. It’s invisible, but it’s deadly.”

2. Footpad and Breast Burns: Painful and Costly

Wet litter isn’t just smelly — it burns. The moisture and acidity cause footpad dermatitis and breast blisters, leaving birds in pain and less active. A bird in discomfort won’t walk to feed or water as often, directly cutting into weight gain and uniformity.

3. A Breeding Ground for Disease

Bad litter is a paradise for bacteria, parasites, and coccidiosis. Once infection sets in, even the best medication can’t fully recover lost growth time. Sick birds convert feeding efficiently and require expensive treatments that eat into profits.

4. Feed Wastage and Poor Conversion Rates

When litter is damp or uneven, feed gets mixed in and wasted. Birds spend more energy coping with stress than growing muscle. “It’s like trying to run a race while sick, ”Pauline says. “They just can’t perform.”

5. Stress and Discomfort = Poor Performance

Broilers are highly sensitive to their environment. Dusty, hot, or wet litter leads to restless, stressed birds. Stress hormones reduce growth, immunity, and feed efficiency. A calm, comfortable flock is a productive flock.

Turning Things Around: Pauline’s Proven Litter Management Tips

Pauline has learned through years of experience that litter management is both an art and a science. Her advice is practical, affordable, and proven to work even for small-scale farmers.

· Turn and Dry the Litter Regularly – Fluffing and turning the litter improves aeration and keeps it dry, preventing caking.

· Maintain Proper Ventilation – Good airflow removes moisture and ammonia while keeping the house temperature stable.

· Control Water Spillage – Leaky drinkers are the number one cause of wet litter. Adjust nipples and regularly check for leaks.

· Top Up or Replace Litter as Needed – Don’t wait until the litter becomes smelly or caked. Adding fresh material keeps the environment healthy.

· Monitor Moisture Daily – A simple touch test can tell you if your litter is too wet. It should feel dry and crumble easily in your hand.

A Healthy Floor Equals a Healthy Flock

Litter management may seem small, but it’s the foundation of broiler success. Farmers who master this aspect often report lower mortality, faster growth, and better feed conversion rates.

Pauline puts it best:

“The floor is where your profits begin. Keep it dry, keep it clean, and your birds will reward you with faster growth and better returns.”

Final Thought

Every successful broiler farmer knows that profitability doesn’t come from shortcuts — it comes from attention to detail. Litter may not be glamorous, but it’s the difference between breaking even and breaking records.

Remember: Healthy litter equals healthy birds. The cleaner and drier your litter, the faster your broilers grow — and the better your profits.

This Agribusiness Feature article was done with insights from Pauline Chitema, veteran broiler farmer in Chilanga District, Lusaka Province, Zambia. For more information and further clarifications on Broiler Litter Management, kindly reach out to Pauline Chitema on 0977828036.

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