Feed additives to combat wet litter in broilers

The problem of wet litter cannot be solved by nutrition alone, but it plays a role.

Wet litter problems abound in the broiler industry. Wet litter can negatively affect animal health and productivity, and animal welfare is compromised when litter retains too much moisture. Apart from management measures, nutrition can play a significant role in preventing wet litter problems. Here, we will focus only on additives that can be added into the feed, but feed ingredient selection and water management are also part of the bigger nutritional picture.

Wet litter remains a problem for the broiler industry. It cannot be resolved by nutrition alone, but nutrition has a role to play. At the very least, we should ensure that nutrition does not exacerbate an already existing problem.

Key feed-additive categories

• Electrolytes: Some minerals reduce water excretion while others act as diuretics. Proper electrolyte balance is critical during high water intake periods; limiting ash in feeds also helps.
• Betaine: Functions as an osmoregulator, maintaining cell hydration and reducing thirst from dehydration.
• Clays: Certain clay products absorb digestive moisture like natural sponges and retain it when excreted.
• Fiber: Insoluble fiber absorbs digestive tract water; fermentable fibers should be avoided as they increase viscosity.
• Enzymes: Specific enzymes targeting viscous carbohydrates reduce excess digesta viscosity that causes wet droppings.
• Zinc and biotin: While not reducing wet litter directly, these improve footpad health and resilience to related problems.