Deep Litter System
- Litter Depth: 10–30 cm
- Litter moisture: 12–20%
- Ventilation / Air Quality: airflow 22,000–48,000 m³/h, CO₂ < 1200 ppm
Deep Litter System for Poultry Farming
The deep litter system involves repeatedly spreading straw, sawdust, or other litter materials in poultry houses. It is a modern ecological farming method. This system provides insulation for birds, absorbs moisture, and helps decompose manure.
Initially, a layer of about 4 inches of fine litter is spread for the birds to walk and defecate on. As the litter becomes soiled, new layers should be added, about 1–2 inches each time. The total litter can accumulate to 1–12 meters.
During management, it is not necessary to remove all the old litter. Part of it should be removed regularly, keeping the bottom layer about 6–12 inches thick. This ensures a dry, comfortable, and hygienic environment.
Advantages of Deep Litter System
Expression of natural behavior
Birds can better perform natural behaviors in the deep litter system, such as foraging, dust bathing, and perching.
Better poultry health
Beneficial microorganisms break down manure and reduce harmful bacteria, creating a healthier environment for birds.
Improved environmental conditions
The deep litter system can reduce odor pollution, improve the environment, and enhance animal welfare.
Low cost
The deep litter system features low investment costs, simple maintenance, and is economical and practical.
Poultry Types Suitable for Deep Litter System
ABC Machinery’s deep litter system is suitable for various types of poultry. It provides a dry and comfortable environment for the birds.
Broilers grow quickly and need a dry, comfortable environment to reduce stress and disease risk. The thick layer of litter also helps protect the birds’ legs and joints.
The deep litter system allows laying hens to move freely. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to maintaining a stable egg production rate.
Free-range chickens are exposed to various external environmental contaminants, but this system helps keep the litter dry and reduces the growth of pathogens.
How Deep Litter System Saves You Money
The deep litter system is one of the most cost-effective and affordable farming methods. It helps you save a lot of money.
- Save heating costs. The deep litter system can raise the temperature by 5-10°C. Heating devices like electric heaters, hot air stoves, and infrared lamps are relatively expensive.
- Reduce bedding replacement costs. Bedding does not need to be replaced frequently. You only need to add new bedding regularly, saving the cost of frequent replacements.
- Get natural fertilizer. After long use, the bedding turns into high-quality natural fertilizer.
- Reduce the cost of health issues. This system maintains a dry and comfortable environment, reducing the chances of poultry illness.
Quantity for Deep Litter System
| Chicken Quantity Per Building | Equipment Type | Recommended Building Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5000 birds/building | 3 feed lines, 2 water lines | 45m*10m*3m |
| 10000 birds/building | 3 feed lines, 2 water lines | 93m*10m*3m |
| 15000 birds/building | 3 feed lines, 4 water lines | 85m*12m*3m |
| 20000 birds/building | 4 feed lines, 5 water lines | 120m*15m*3m |
| 25000 birds/building | 4 feed lines, 5 water lines | 138m*16m*3m |
Our product range
Other Poultry Farming Equipment for Poultry Efficiency
Maintain optimal temperature and humidity in poultry houses.
Deliver feed efficiently and evenly to all birds.
Provide clean and continuous water supply for poultry.
Improve airflow and reduce harmful gases inside the house.
Automate egg gathering to increase efficiency and reduce breakage.
Keep the poultry house clean with effective waste removal.
Regulate light cycles to enhance bird health and productivity.
Eggs are graded by size to ensure consistent quality.
Deep Litter System FAQ
Q1: How to maintain the automatic drinker in a deep litter system?
A1: You need to regularly clean the corrosion-resistant stainless steel nozzles using the included tool kit. The automatic drinking system is easy to disassemble and maintain, ensuring water quality is up to standard.
Q2: Stainless steel drinkers vs. plastic drinkers: Which is more suitable for broiler farms?
A2: Stainless steel drinkers (which we use in our system) are more corrosion-resistant and moisture-resistant than plastic drinkers. Their durability allows them to function reliably in thicker bedding environments, which is a key advantage of our equipment.
Q3: Can I customize the automatic drinking pipeline for farms with uneven terrain?
A3: Yes! Our system offers adjustable-height brackets and flexible piping. You can customize the spacing and alignment based on the layout of your farm, while ensuring that broilers receive optimal water supply.
Q4: Is the deep litter system FDA/EU-approved for commercial poultry farming?
A4: Yes, our system complies with both FDA and EU hygiene standards. The automatic drinkers and controlled bedding management reduce the risk of contamination, ensuring compliance with certified meat production requirements.
Q5: How does the deep litter system maximize the use of space in broiler farms?
A5: The vertical cage design and compact automatic feeding/drinking pipelines allow for high-density farming without affecting air circulation. Compared to traditional farming methods, this system increases output per square meter by 30%.
ABC Machinery Success Cases
