The Effect of Built-up Litter on the Parasite Ova and Oocysts of Poultry

Abstract BUILT-UP litter has been widely proclaimed by poultrymen during the past several years as the answer to many of their disease problems, especially that of cecal coccidiosis. By the term built-up litter is meant the continued rearing of successive groups of young chickens on the same litter without any change. The original litter is started as a fresh litter, four or five inches deep, of either corn cobs, shavings, straw or other materials and left in the poultry house after the brood is reared; another brood of baby chicks is started on the same litter. None of the fecal material or litter is removed; stirring is recommended if the litter cakes. Some fresh litter may be added as needed. This litter and fecal material is allowed to remain for each successive brood and none is removed until the built-up litter becomes eight to twelve inches deep. It has also been . . .