Nitrogen efficiency demonstration project: Using alum amendment with poultry litter material

Aluminum sulfate (alum) was used as a Utter amendment in commercial broiler houses for the duration of five grow-out periods at two farms in this study. The alum was applied in the treated houses at a rate of 0.2 lb of material per bird. The material was incorporated into the fitter with a tiller after being broadcast though out the broiler houses.;An economic comparison was used to examine the economic viability of using aluminum sulfate as a management strategy for poultry producers. The cost of alum treatment was compared to the benefits measured and received by growers and integrators. This study suggests that neither parties can shoulder the entire cost of the alum treatment program. However, there is some evidence that if the cost is shared both parties will benefit economically, and at the same time improve nutrient conservation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.);The aluminum sulfate used in the treated houses reduced the atmospheric ammonia levels and lowered the pH level of the litter in those houses. Nitrogen content levels in the litter of the treated houses were shown to be higher in the litter of the untreated houses. Feed conversion was shown to be significantly lower in the treated houses than in the untreated houses by using mean separation techniques.