Microbiological Survey of Georgia Poultry Litter

Concern has been raised by Georgia beef producers regarding the safety of feeding large quantities of poultry litter to beef cattle. It is well known that poultry raised in confinement, especially chicks, is susceptible to infection by pathogenic microorganisms (i.e., Salmonella typhimurium). The objective of this study was to collect samples of poultry litter from different sources in Georgia and analyze each sample for the presence of pathogenic bacteria using selective microbiological media. While bacteria were isolated from every litter sample, no E. coli O157/H7 or Salmonella was detected in any sample. Mold contamination in most of the samples was extremely low. In addition to the microbiological analysis, the nutrient content of each litter sample was determined. All samples contained similar amounts (2 to 3%) of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, while manganese concentrations were much lower. Sodium, aluminum, and iron concentrations were much higher than concentrations of zinc and copper; and ash averaged 30.4%. Crude protein in all samples was over 6-fold higher than bound protein, and the average moisture content was 21.9%. Collectively, these results suggest that poultry litter is not a source of harmful pathogenic bacteria when fed to beef cattle and is a good source of protein and some minerals.