Quick Lime Reduces Bacteria Load in Poultry Litter & Dangers Associated With It

The use of lime in poultry production can have several benefits such as reducing the nitrogen levels and increasing the pH of the litter which at pH 12 will destroy pathogens living in the litter.
Forms of Slaked Lime that can be used to reduce nitrogen content in poultry litter:
Quicklime, which is calcium oxide (CaO)
Hydrated lime, which is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
IMPORTANT NOTE:  "Slaked lime is different than agricultural lime which cannot be used in poultry houses. 

What Using Quick Lime Does For Poultry Houses & Chicken Coops

• Lime application to litter increases the pH of the litter. When litter reaches pH 12, cell membranes of pathogens living in the litter are destroyed.
• Lime reduces the nitrogen content of litter by increasing ammonia so do not use lime when ammonia level in poultry houses is high.
• Using lime is not permitted for deodorizing animal wastes in organic poultry production operations.
•  Lime decreases soluble phosphorus and reduces the amount of phosphorus levels in runoff
• For additional information on controlling ammonia in poultry houses, refer to the page on the effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatization in broiler production.

Clean and disinfect poultry houses and chicken coops in between production cycles to significantly reduce the chances of disease in your flock. Do not put new birds in a dirty poultry house or chicken coop as many diseases are transferred through chicken feces.
"In addition to the cleaning and disinfecting process, producers can use lime in poultry houses to control pathogens (and reduce fly problems). According to current research, lime is effective at controlling the following poultry diseases:

• Avian influenza
• Newcastle disease
• Ornithosis

How to Use Quicklime in Poultry Litter to Reduce Bacterial Loads:
Studies show using quicklime in chicken litter was successful at reducing bacterial loads with no adverse effects on broilers who were put in the house after a 10 day preparation period. However, the researchers found that the results were not the same for turkey litter and, in fact, did not improve turkey poult performance.

• Add 15 lbs of quicklime per each 100 lbs of dirty, used litter.
• Turn litter every other day for 10 days
• Do not allow birds in the poultry house or coop for at least 10 days after lime application.

"University of Georgia researchers found that adding 15 lbs. of quicklime to each 100 pounds of used litter and turning the litter every other day for 10 days reduced bacterial loads in the litter with no adverse effects on broilers placed in the house after the 10-day preparation period. Researchers conducting a multiple-trial study using turkey litter, however, encountered contradictory results. In the first trial, inclusion of up to 5% lime in turkey litter improved poult performance. In a subsequent trial, the inclusion of 5% lime in the litter did not improve poult performance" (Use of Lime in Poultry Houses - eXtension. 2019). ​
Warnings about using Lime in Poultry Houses:
Lime is caustic to any organic matter, destroys debris, and pathogens. However, lime left on the ground or floor can burn the foot pads of birds. 
Remove birds from the poultry house or coop before treating with lime.
Wear protective clothing.
"working with lime is extremely dangerous. Dust inhaled or exposed to the eyes can cause severe burning of the eyes and mucous membranes. When using lime, poultry producers should wear personal protective equipment" (Use of Lime in Poultry Houses - eXtension. 2019). 
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References:
​1. Use of Lime in Poultry Houses - eXtension. (2019). Articles.extension.org. Retrieved 22 January 2019, from https://articles.extension.org/pages/66918/use-of-lime-in-poultry-houses