New strategies in the integrated management of Alphitobius diaperinus

The completion of the fattening cycle of a flock of chickens brings with it the cumbersome task of disposing of poultry organic waste, controlling unwanted individuals such as: bedding weevils, rodents and flies. To carry out the sanitary vacuum, it is advisable to use good Biosafety procedures, one of the most used worldwide.

It is D+L+D+D (Disinfestation, Cleaning, Disinfection, Deratization), a task that is also heavy and expensive for the producer. Starting from this premise I want to share the experience obtained in the Integrated Control of Alphitobius diaperinus through litter management using alternatives based on the practices used in Colombia and Brazil. The process of sanitizing the beds in principle responds to reducing the load of pathogens present in the poultry manure. To do this, different methods are used, such as the use of alkalizers, acidifiers, specific disinfectants and bioremediation such as composting. The idea is that pathogens are eliminated before the bed leaves the shed, to meet a biosecurity objective which is

prevent pathogens from leaving the farm. Another problem we face is the litter weevil, which by the time the broiler cycle is completed, approximately 90% of the Alphitobius population found in the litter is made up of its larvae. Making the problem even worse, we find that when these insects are not treated in

At the right time, both adults and larvae migrate out of the shed when they lose the comfortable environment generated by the presence of the chickens. In Brazil, flat fermentation has given very good results. (Silva et al., 2007) only that this method increases the duration of the sanitary vacuum and no accounting evidence of bed bug infestation is obtained. In Colombia, the most widely used method for sanitizing bedding is deep stacking (ICA, resolution 189 of August 2005, FENAVI 2008). It is a method which combines composting with silage, thereby achieving temperatures that inactivate viruses, eliminate pathogenic bacteria, parasites and fungi. Through this technique of bioremediation and use of organic poultry waste, we will observe details to

the implementation of integrated control of alphitobius, rodents and flies.

BED SANITIZATION

Deep stacking consists of forming piles approximately 3 meters in diameter and approximately 1.60 meters high. This pile should be as conical as possible and then covered with a canvas or plastic, preferably black. The stack reaches temperatures of up to 80°C after 72 hours, enough time to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. A comfortable environment is generated for the adult weevils to enter the shed, the larvae increase at the base of the pile, there is exclusion of rodents and flies.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

Once the batch of birds has been removed, stacking begins, in which the first step is the elimination of all the genetic material (feathers) through flaming.

The second step is to break up all the fillings so that the particles are as small and homogeneous as possible. This process can be carried out by machine or with the use of personnel.

Once all the pastings have been broken and the rototiller has been passed, we proceed to moistening. Considering that sanitation is based on the increase in temperature achieved by adding water, it is important to keep in mind that excess water affects drying time and therefore prolongs the sanitary vacuum, in addition to generating the presence of flies and offensive odors since it changes the process from fermentation to putrefaction. On the other hand, since the majority of the population of Alphitobius By that time they are larvae, it is advisable to moisten them with a dilution of a larvicide. In a warehouse 14.5 meters wide by 115 meters long, 4 piles are made and 200 liters per pile are used to humidify at approximately 40%. To avoid excess or lack of moisture, the fist test is performed. When you clench your fist, if the material spreads, there is a lack of moisture; The correct humidity is seen when a ball is formed when the fist is squeezed and no water drips, which indicates that a humidity close to 40% has been reached.

After obtaining the correct humidity, the piles are formed. Once the piles are formed, the covering and identification process begins. The curtains are raised and we wait 72 hours for the sanitation process to complete. The temperature of the pile should be taken at the top, core and base and then averaged to ensure at least 55°C within 72 hours. The temperatures are taken with a thermocouple for composting and are carried out at the same time for the 3 days of the process; It is important to record that data.

Large number of adults Alphitobius They are attracted to the temperature and the ammonia that is released from the batteries. After 24 hours there is the maximum number of weevils and it is time to spray with a pyrethroid EC insecticide to eliminate these annoying weevils. All larvae Alphitobius present in the material die due to temperature, larvicide and insecticide.

The ammonia concentrations are so high that the complete exclusion of rodents and flies is achieved; even those that cannot escape die inside the ship. This exclusion of rodents that is achieved is very important since during the sanitary vacuum the future invasion of rodents will make a favorable incursion into the feedlot boxes. The disinfection process is carried out after the sanitization of the bed is completed; In the event that it is reused, the warehouse is washed with the stack inside. This process does not interfere with the sanitary vacuum time.

Deep stacking as an alternative for the management and disposal of organic poultry waste is a valuable tool since it presents numerous advantages without environmental contamination in the prevention, control, eradication of diseases, rational use of agrochemicals and represents a maximization of the producer's profits. It does not require permit or authorization procedures before the competent environmental authority; however, it is recommended to document it and include it in the standardized Biosafety procedures of your company.

ADVANTAGES.

• It has no adverse effects on the environment.
• Does not generate leachate.
• Does not generate offensive odors.
• Avoid presence of vectors.
• Maximize profits.
• Sanitized bed is a valuable resource for agriculture, as a fertilizer or soil amendment.
• The bed can be reused, obtaining better performance and economy.
• It can be used as food for cattle.