Salmonella Elimination from Recycled Poultry Bedding after Stacking

Abstract

Recycled poultry bedding (RPB), also referred to as poultry litter, has long been used as a protein and mineral supplement for cattle. This product consists of the bedding material used in the poultry house, as well as feed, feathers and excreta. Concerns regarding the feeding of this product have been raised because of the perceived risks of transmitting potentially pathogenic enteric organisms to cattle and consumers. The primary objective of this study was to assess the survival of Salmonella in various areas of RPB stacked to a recommended height of 6-8 ft (deep) or stacked to height of 3 ft (shallow).