# Effects of Using Effective Microorganisms (EMs) and Zeolite on the Development of Productivity and Air and Litter Quality in Broiler Chicken Rearing

## TL;DR

Using zeolite and effective microorganisms in broiler chicken litter improves air and litter quality, reduces harmful gas emissions, and supports bird health and productivity.

## Contribution

Demonstrates a synergistic effect of zeolite and EMs as litter additives in reducing ammonia and CO2 emissions while maintaining production efficiency.

## Key findings

- Litter additives reduced moisture, pH, air humidity, ammonia, and CO2 levels in the experimental group.
- The treatment positively affected production results and bird health without compromising efficiency.
- Zeolite and EMs combination offers a practical solution for reducing environmental impact in poultry farming.

## Abstract

Poultry farming has negative environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and excessive production of ammonia (NH3), which also adversely affects the health and production parameters of birds. Various preparations are used as litter additives to neutralize ammonia and other gas emissions and improve the performance and welfare of broiler chickens. Our own research examined the synergistic effect of zeolite and probiotics (effective microorganisms—EMs) as litter additives on productivity, meat quality, selected physiological parameters, and air and litter quality in broiler chicken rearing. The results showed that the litter additives used can improve the environmental conditions in the broiler house (litter moisture, pH, and air parameters), as well as production results and bird health. The developed technology for broiler chicken rearing using zeolite and probiotics as litter additives can therefore contribute to reducing the emissions of harmful gas admixtures generated on broiler chicken farms without negatively affecting production efficiency.

The growing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production are increasing the pressure on poultry producers to use practices that reduce the environmental impact of farms, mainly by reducing ammonia emissions. The study evaluated the effect of adding effective microorganisms (EMs) and zeolite to litter on productivity, meat quality, selected physiological parameters, and air and litter quality in broiler chickens. In the experimental group, zeolite was applied at 3 kg/10 kg to the litter, and it was sprayed with a solution of EMs and water in a 1:4 ratio. Spraying was repeated weekly until the end of the production cycle. The litter additives reduced the moisture content and pH of the litter (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. This group also showed lower air humidity (p < 0.01) and reduced levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A positive effect of litter additives on production results and the health of broiler chickens was noted. In summary, the addition of 3 kg/10 kg of zeolite to the litter, combined with spraying the litter with a 1:4 solution of EMs and water, can contribute to reducing the emission of harmful gas admixtures generated on broiler farms without negatively affecting production efficiency.