EIP-Agri: CAREFUL - Residual biomass to (activated) carbon: prevention of footpad lesions in poultry farming
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Motivation
In Germany, the domestic chicken is the most common livestock species in terms of numbers, with a population of around 160 million animals in 2014, and the demand for poultry meat has been increasing for years. However, footpad lesions and high ammonia concentrations in the air in poultry houses are a serious threat to animal welfare, particularly in poultry fattening. While the inflammatory foot pad diseases are most likely painful and can restrict the birds' movement, high ammonia levels in the air are a risk for respiratory diseases in animals and humans. One of the main causes of the above-mentioned impairments is damp, soiled litter in the stables. Organic poultry farming is also affected by this and faces even greater challenges due to feeding restrictions.
Background
Plant and activated carbons are characterized by a high water absorption capacity (up to five times their weight) and a high adsorption capacity for various substances, such as nutrients and nitrogen compounds, but also dioxins and mycotoxins, due to their high inner surface area. Due to these properties, biochar and activated carbon represent a promising but little researched litter substrate in poultry farming to reduce footpad diseases and ammonia emissions, as well as possibly having a health-promoting effect when ingested via the species-typical scratching and pecking.
Objectives
The aim of the innovation project with representatives from agriculture, industry, science and consultancy is to develop and test an innovative poultry litter based on sustainable and regionally produced plant and activated carbons from previously unused residual biomass in northern Hesse to improve animal welfare in poultry farming. Suitable carbons are used as poultry litter in practical trials and their effects on animal health and the climate in the barn are investigated in an iterative and multi-stage approach. By utilizing previously unused residual biomass, regional material cycles are also to be closed and sustainable value chains established.
Duration: March 2020 - June 2023
Funded by:State of Hesse and European Union
Project within the framework of the European Innovation Partnership Program "Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability - EIP Agri" of the Development Plan for Rural Areas (EPLR) of the State of Hesse 2014 - 2020
Lead partner and institution: Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf (Director) and Dr. Kathrin Stenchly (Managing Director), Competance Centre for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CliMA), University of Kassel
Contact persons: Dr. Kathrin Stenchly and Dr.-Ing. Korbinian Kaetzl
Members of the Operational Group OG "Careful":
Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Resources, University of Kassel (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf and Dr. Ing. Korbinian Kaetzl)
Department of Livestock Ethology and Animal Husbandry, University of Kassel (Prof. Dr. Ute Knierim)
Schäfer Organic Poultry Farm KG
PowerWave Projects
Rüddenklau Bioenergy GbR
Associated partners:
Poultry trade association Hessen e.V.