Prevalence of Microbial Pathogens in Dried Poultry Litter Used as Cattle Feed
J.S. Jeffrey, J.H. Kirk and E.R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, Veterinary Medicine and Teaching Research Center (VMTRC), Tulare; J.S. Cullor, VMTRC, Tulare
Composted poultry litter is widely used as a fertilizer and soil amendment, and is sometimes used as animal feed.
Problem: These practices are currently under intense scrutiny due to concerns about environmental contamination and public fears that the recycling of animal waste products may en danger the safety of human food.
Objective: To apply the scientific method to provide factual data on the risks involved with these practices and how any risks might be minimized.
Approach: A study was conducted to test the safety of dried poultry litter used as dairy cattle feed.
Results: Fifty-two samples from 13 dairies across a two-county area tested negative for various species of bacteria. We concluded that composted poultry litter was not a significa nt source of Salmonella, Campylobacter or E. coli O157.
Results of this study are in press in the Poultry Science Journal.