Innovative strategies using organic agricultural waste and lime for housefly control in poultry farms

Abstract

The intensification of poultry production systems has led to substantial accumulation of poultry waste, creating conducive conditions for housefly proliferation. To address this, a series of controlled trials were conducted at the Poultry Research Farm, Department of Livestock Production Management, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, to evaluate moisture-reducing strategies using organic agricultural residues and calcium oxide (lime powder). Paddy straw, rice husk, and lime powder were tested individually and in combinations at inclusion rates of 4%, 8%, and 12%. Preliminary results identified 8% as the optimal concentration. Subsequently, a four-week trial with weekly applications and an additional post-treatment observation period was conducted. Litter moisture, temperature, adult fly density, and in vitro larval counts were recorded on Day 0, Day 1, Day 2, Day 5, and on Days 8, 11, and 14 following the final application. The application of 8% lime powder significantly (p<0.05) reduced litter moisture to 36.38% by the fourth week, compared to 62.51% moisture in the untreated control. A rapid reduction to 29.48% moisture was observed within 24 hours of application. Although litter temperature exhibited minimal variation (32.93°C), larval populations declined markedly post-treatment and remained suppressed up to Day 14. The study concluded that 8% lime powder application effectively reduces litter moisture, thereby disrupting the favorable micro-environment for housefly breeding. This approach offers a practical, economical, and environmentally sustainable strategy for integrated housefly management in poultry housing systems.