Biochar for Chickens & Other Poultry

Adding biochar to chicken litter has numerous of benefits, including:

Aiding digestion
Reducing footpad disease
Absorbing ammonia

Incorporating biochar into poultry farming practices is beneficial for the individual farm and also contributes to larger-scale impacts in terms of animal health and food security.

In the following sections, we review how biochar positively affects poultry farming and its various applications.

The science behind biochar for poultry production

Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced through the heating of organic materials, such as plant biomass and agricultural residues, in a low-oxygen environment. This process converts waste into a valuable resource and captures carbon that could otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

In terms of its life cycle, biochar can last centuries because of its super stable carbon structure, consistently boosting soil quality. Biochar improves soil structure while also enhancing nutrient availability, contributing to a healthier soil ecosystem, and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms that support plant health.

Biochar reduces microbial pathogens

Since biochar has a high surface area and a porous structure, it’s an ideal habitat for beneficial microbes in the soil, which help break down organic matter and release nutrients essential for plant growth. By creating a healthy balance of beneficial microbes in chicken and poultry litter, biochar can suppress the growth of harmful pathogens, reducing their presence and protecting poultry from potential diseases.

Biochar absorbs ammonia

Biochar can reduce ammonia by holding nitrogen. Doing so reduces the ammonia's toxicity, benefiting poultry and helping protect the environment from harmful emissions. In poultry operations, a decrease in ammonia levels can lead to improved bird comfort and welfare, fostering a more productive farming ecosystem.

Biochar regulates moisture content

Another result of biochar’s porous structure is it’s able to effectively retain water, acting like a sponge by holding onto moisture reduing the need to vent production houses. In poultry housing, the moisture regulation properties of biochar can help create a more comfortable environment for chickens, reducing stress levels and improving overall health.

Excessive moisture can lead to respiratory problems and an increased risk of diseases. By integrating biochar into bedding materials, farmers can effectively absorb excess moisture for a drier and more hygienic living space for the birds.

Biochar improves digestive health

The presence of biochar in the digestive system helps reduce the survival of pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to healthier chickens and poultry with lower incidences of disease. Also, biochar's ability to bind mycotoxins and other harmful substances further protects birds from potential toxins in their diet.

When the chicken’s digestive tract is cleansed, they achieve a healthier gut microbiome, which is key for peak nutrient absorption and digestion.

Applications for biochar and poultry producton

The versatility of biochar extends to various applications within poultry farming, benefiting both production efficiency and animal welfare.

Chicken Gut health

The adsorptive properties of biochar allow it act as a toxin binder.

As a result, chickens can exhibit improved growth rates and higher egg yields, contributing to increased profitability. Healthy chickens tend to enjoy better overall vitality and immune responses, which ultimately support long-term sustainability in poultry farming.

Litter & bedding

Because of biochar’s extremely high capacity to hold water, it can reduce the need to vent poultry houses and lose heat in the winter months.

Another byproduct of biochar’s moisture retention is its ability to adsorb nitrogen, thereby lowering ammonia emissions within poultry operations. Some bird growers have seen a dramatic drop in coop odor which means the litter is holding nitrogen.. Equally important, the decrease in ammonia contamination and moisture content lowers the risk of footpad disease.

Coop environment

Biochar is an invaluable addition to coop environments, offering many advantages that help both animal welfare and farm management practices. Sick chickens have implications for both public health and the economy, and making sure their living conditions are in good shape helps prevent disease breakouts.

When poultry flocks are affected by infectious diseases caused by things like E. coli and coccidia, the consequences ripple throughout the industry, leading to increased veterinary costs and loss of production.

Manure

Biochar’s ability to store nutrients and moisture also helps with manure degradation. The fertilizer quality of the manure is strengthened with the addition of biochar, and the odor is kept under control, creating a more pleasant environment.

Metzler’s involvement with biochar and poultry

Here at Metzler, we’re heavily involved in testing the benefits of biochar for poultry, leading the pack in innovative solutions for sustainable farming. We’re fortunate to offer highly stable biochar to those throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well as one of Pennsylvania’s first industrial-scale pyrolysis systems.

We offer a range of products for sale, including:

growCHAR: Our proprietary compost
pureCHAR: Made from local sawmill co-products
earthCHAR: Blend of locally screened topsoil, growCHAR compost, and pureCHAR biochar

Additionally, we’re proud to conduct product trials in our Metzler Water Lab and are also involved with biochar for poultry trials.