Challenges and Benefits of Managing and Utilizing Poultry Litter Inside and Outside the Broiler House

Abstract

Commercial poultry production is a primary income stream for many small family farms throughout the southeastern United States, especially in hilly and mountainous regions where soils have historically been low in fertility. Beef cattle operations provide a supplemental income source to many poultry producers. Litter management (inside and outside the poultry house) is an increasingly important issue for Tennessee farmers, state and federal agencies, the poultry industry and the general public.