Written by:Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky
In relation to poultry production, lime is a general term used to refer to the manufactured forms of lime. These forms of lime are quicklime, which is calcium oxide (CaO), and hydrated lime, which is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The terms whitewash and less commonly lime milk are used to refer to the suspension of hydrated lime in water. For the purposes of this article, lime does NOT include agricultural lime, which is ground limestone (calcium carbonate). Agricultural lime may not be used in poultry houses.
The use of lime in poultry farming can have various effects.
- Applying lime to waste increases the pH of the litter. When the litter reaches a pH of 12, the cell membranes of pathogens living in the litter are destroyed.
- Lime reduces the nitrogen content of waste by increasing the volatilization of ammonia. For this reason, it is important not to use lime if ammonia levels in a poultry house are high. Organic producers should remember that hydrated lime is not allowed for deodorizing animal waste in organic production. For more information about ammonia control in poultry houses, see the page atthe effectiveness of waste treatments in reducing ammonia volatilization in broiler production.
- Lime reduces soluble phosphorus and therefore lowers the phosphorus content in the drain water.
The routine of cleaning and disinfecting equipment and the poultry house between production cycles is key to disease control. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, producers can use lime in poultry houses to combat pathogens (and reduce fly problems). According to current research, lime is effective in preventing the following poultry diseases:
- Bird flu
- Newcastle disease
- Ornithose
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that adding 15 pounds of quicklime to every 100 pounds of litter used and changing the litter every other day for 10 days reduced the amount of bacteria in the litter without harming broilers after the 10 days. were housed in the stable. . preparation period. However, researchers conducting a multi-stage study of turkey waste found conflicting results. In the first trial, the addition of up to 5% lime to turkey litter improved the performance of the poultry. In a subsequent experiment, adding 5% lime to the litter did not improve the birds' performance.
Producers must exercise great caution when using lime in poultry houses. Lime is corrosive to organic matter and destroys waste in addition to pathogens. Lime also burns the pads of birds if left on the ground or floor. It is important to remove animals from the area before treating the area with lime. Moreover, it is extremely dangerous to work with lime. Dust that is inhaled or gets into the eyes can cause serious burns to the eyes and mucous membranes. When using lime, poultry farmers must wear personal protective equipment.
As a poultry production expert, I have extensive knowledge and experience in the use of lime in this field. Lime, in the context of poultry production, refers to two forms: quicklime, which is calcium oxide (CaO), and hydrated lime, which is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). These forms are commonly referred to as lime, while agricultural lime, which is crushed limestone (calcium carbonate), is not included in this definition.
One of the effects of lime application to poultry litter is an increase in pH. When the pH of the litter reaches 12, it destroys the cell membranes of pathogens residing in the litter. Lime also reduces the nitrogen content of the litter by increasing ammonia volatilization. However, it's important to note that lime should not be used when the ammonia level in a poultry house is already high. Organic producers should also be aware that hydrated lime is not permitted for deodorizing animal wastes in organic production.
Another benefit of lime in poultry production is its ability to decrease soluble phosphorus, thus reducing phosphorus levels in runoff. Additionally, lime can be used to control pathogens and reduce fly problems in poultry houses. Research has shown that lime is effective in preventing avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and ornithosis.
To illustrate the effectiveness of lime in reducing bacterial loads in poultry litter, a study conducted by the University of Georgia found that adding 15 pounds of quicklime to every 100 pounds of used litter and turning the litter every other day for 10 days resulted in reduced bacterial loads without any adverse effects on broilers placed in the house afterward. However, it's worth noting that conflicting results were observed in a multiple-trial study using turkey litter. In one trial, the inclusion of up to 5% lime improved poult performance, while in a subsequent trial, the inclusion of 5% lime did not have the same effect.
It is crucial for poultry producers to exercise caution when using lime in poultry houses. Lime is caustic to organic matter and can destroy debris as well as pathogens. If left on the ground or floor, lime can burn the footpads of birds. Therefore, animals should be removed from the area before treating it with lime. Additionally, working with lime can be extremely dangerous, as dust inhalation or exposure to the eyes can cause severe burning of the eyes and mucous membranes. Thus, poultry producers should always wear personal protective equipment when handling lime.
