In poultry keeping, litter refers to materials such as wood shavings, sawdust, straw, or dried grass spread on the floor of a poultry house. Its primary function is to absorb moisture from the birds' droppings, keeping the floor dry and reducing the buildup of ammonia fumes that can harm the birds' respiratory systems.
While a clean, dry litter environment can indirectly help reduce the incidence of certain diseases, litter itself is not a disease control measure. Litter does not serve as a roost (birds roost on perches or slatted frames above the floor). It also does not protect birds from predators; that function belongs to the housing structure, fencing, and secure enclosures.
Good litter management involves maintaining appropriate depth (typically 5-10 cm), turning or replacing litter regularly to prevent caking, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Wet, compacted litter promotes bacterial growth and increases the risk of diseases such as coccidiosis and bumblefoot.
