The report presents an evaluation of the potential of using waste activated sludge as a poultry feed supplement. The sludge used in this study was obtained from an activated sludge process treating concentrated citrus waste containing no sanitary wastewater. The sludge was thickened, dewatered and dried using full-scale and pilot-scale equipment. The dried sludge was then analyzed for protein, fiber, amino acids, nutrients and moisture. Poultry feeds containing varying concentrations of sludge were prepared. Two experiments with broiler chicks, each of three weeks duration, one 8-week broiler study, and a six-month laying hen study were conducted to determine the effect of the inclusion of sludge in poultry diets on performance. It is shown in the report that the inclusion of sludge in properly formulated diets up to 7.5 % did not significantly affect poultry performance or meat or egg quality. The value of the sludge was calculated based on the reduction in feed ingredients resulting from the inclusion of sludge. It was found that the value of the recovered sludge significantly reduced the total cost of sludge handling.

Report prepared by Winter Garden Citrus Products Cooperative, Winter Garden, Florida. Prepared for National Environmental Research Center, Office of Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under grant S-801432, program element 1BB037, ROAP/TASK no. 21 BAB/030. Includes bibliographical references (page 56).