Study on Composition and Fertilization of Feces from Laying Hens Fed Dietary Phytase

Abstract

This study was conducted to produce a nutrient-balanced complex fertilizer using compost from laying hens fed with phytase levels. A total of 30 laying hens were randomly assigned in individual cages. The dietary treatments were fed from 51 to 60 wks of age, and included a phytase; 0, 1,000, and 2,000 FTU/kg in basal diets. Fresh feed (110 g) and drinking water were supplied to the laying hens every day. Feces from hens were collected daily and analyzed for N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O after compost maturity. This result showed there was no difference on the fecal excretion per feed intake of laying hens supplemented with phytase levels in the diets. On the other hand, the excretions of dried feces, N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O were significantly ( P <0.05) reduced in 2,000 FTU/kg treatment than 0, 1,000 FTU/kg treatments. There was no difference on the compost composition and nutrient contents in compound fertilizer using compost from hens fed dietary phytase levels. However, compost content in the fertilizer was 69.6 ∼ 71.6% when compost of 25 ∼ 30% moisture content was used, and 13.0 ∼ 47.1% at compost of 40 ∼ 60% moisture content. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that hen’s compost controlled moisture content could be produced as a nutrient-balanced compound fertilizer.