The Use of Biochar in Poultry and Egg Production

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Authors: Melissa Leung and Suzanne Allaire

In this report, GECA has examined the entire body of existing literature on the subject of biochar or activated carbon use in poultry and egg production. We include biochar properties, dosage and fabrication methods when available. Key points addressing the effects of dietary biochar on animals are included. This report was produced as a tool for poultry and egg producers, not as a scientific literature review article.

Results from our review has shown that incorporating biochar into diets of poultry can:

• increase weight gain and feed conversion

• increase resistance to food contamination such as toxins and pathogens

• increase collagen, membrane thickness and mass of eggs

• reduce the number of cracked eggs

 

When adding biochar in litter, results tend to show:

• a decrease in ammonia, moisture content, and pathogens

• a reduction in foot and other ammonia-related health problems

 

Only available as a downloadable PDF.