Alum and Rainfall Effects on Ionophores in Runoff from Surface‐Applied Broiler Litter. Issue 5 (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doydora, Sarah A.; Franklin, Dorcas; Sun, Peizhe; Cabrera, Miguel; Thompson, Aaron; Love‐Myers, Kimberly; Rema, John; Calvert, Vaughn; Pavlostathis, Spyros G.; Huang, Ching‐Hua
• Is Part Of: Journal of Environmental Quality. Volume 44:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 1657
• Page End: 1666
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.2134/jeq2015.02.0099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2425

Abstract

Abstract : Polyether ionophores, monensin, and salinomycin are commonly used as antiparasitic drugs in broiler production and may be present in broiler litter (bird excreta plus bedding material). Long‐term application of broiler litter to pastures may lead to ionophore contamination of surface waters. Because polyether ionophores break down at low pH, we hypothesized that decreasing litter pH with an acidic material such as aluminum sulfate (alum) would reduce ionophore losses to runoff (i.e., monensin and salinomycin concentrations, loads, or amounts lost). We quantified ionophore loss to runoff in response to (i) addition of alum to broiler litter and (ii) length of time between litter application and the first simulated rainfall event. The factorial experiment consisted of unamended (∼pH 9) vs. alum‐amended litters (∼pH 6), each combined with simulated rainfall at 0, 2, or 4 wk after litter application. Runoff from alum‐amended broiler litter had 33% lower monensin concentration ( p < 0.01), 57% lower monensin load ( p < 0.01), 48% lower salinomycin concentration ( p < 0.01), and 66% lower salinomycin load ( p < 0.01) than runoff from unamended broiler litter when averaged across all events of rainfall. Ionophore losses to runoff were also less when rainfall was delayed for 2 or 4 wk after litter application relative to applying rainfall immediately after litter application. While the weather is difficult to predict, our data suggest that ionophore losses in runoff can be reduced if broiler litter applications are made to maximize dry time after application. Core Ideas: Two methods to reduce anticoccidials in runoff from grasslands receiving broiler litter. Ionophore losses in surface runoff can be reduced by adding alum to broiler litter. Ionophores in runoff decreased when rainfall occurs 2 to 4 weeks after broiler litter application.