Title: The Use of Formaldehyde Flakes as an Antimicrobial Agent in Built-up Poultry Litter ,
Abstract: Formaldehyde flakes which decompose slowly and spontaneously into formaldehyde gas were incorporated into built-up poultry litter at 1 and 3% levels (w./w.). Day-old chicks were placed on the litter at a density of 0.06 m2. per bird and reared to 8 weeks of age. The treatments had no significant effect on growth rate, feed efficiency or mortality of the broilers. Bacterial counts were reduced to about 10% of control values and mold counts were reduced to about 1% for up to 3 weeks. The pH of the litter at the 3% formaldehyde level was lowered slightly but significantly (P < 0.05) for 3 weeks at the 3% level. The treatments had no significant effect on the final nitrogen content of the litter.