Poultry waste management in Nigeria: a neglected sector

Abstract

The recent surge in poultry production has led to an increase in poultry waste production. Waste from poultry production often includes hatchery waste, dead birds, condemned carcasses, and manure. Manure is normally applied to agricultural soils as a source of fertilizer. Excessive production of waste from poultry farms and its improper disposal has led to air pollution and contamination of agricultural farmlands and eventually surface and water groundwater pollution and this has become a major public health concern to the society. Improper disposal of poultry waste affects poultry farmers, individuals residing close to the farms, and the environment. Published articles on poultry production and poultry waste management were retrieved from the search engine Google Scholar and were used to summarize the impact of poultry waste as a source of contamination and/or pollution to the environment with associated public health implications on animals and humans. Options for proper disposal and utilization of waste from poultry production are further discussed.