To make broiler litter diets more compatile in order to increase consumption, corn or other feed are added. Fontenot, in 1978, estimated that broiler litter as a feed is worth more than two or three times its value as a fertilizer for pastures. Broiler litter substituted in high grain diets results in a reduction in daily gain and a lover feed conversion ratio. Several other recent studies have demonstrated the potential use of broiler litter in livestock diets. In 1994, McCaskey et al reported that steer gains were 2.53 pounds per day on a concentrate diet as compareed woth 2.12 pounds per day on a diet of 50 per cent broiler litter and 50 per cent corn.
Broiler litter fed to cattle is usually mixed with a more palatable feed such as corn.
Any number of palatable feed in addition to corn can be mixed with broiler litter such as wheat, milo, commercial feed mix and soya bean hulls. These diets are relatively inexpensive, yet performance will be adequate if good quality broiler litter is used. Stockers on the 50-50 mix should gain approximately 2 pounds per head daily. All diets containing broiler litter should be supplemented with 2-5 pounds of hay daily to meet fiber needs of cattle. Good management practices as outlined in this publication can result in efficient and proper use of broiler litter in forage-livestock operation.