Assessment of direct headspace analysis of broiler chicken litter odorants

Abstract

As population growth has continued in Australia, poultry production has increased to supply high quantities of chicken meat to consumers. Suburbia encroachment on rural landscapes has resulted in increasing odour complaints from local residents. The aim of this study is to develop a reliable and robust methodology to identify and characterise odorant variations from broiler litter material utilising headspace sampling combined with thermal desorption, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and olfactory detection. This combined sensory/chemical analysis has identified major odorants including reduced sulfurs, ketones, carboxylic acids, terpenes and alcohols. The knowledge gained from this study will assist in developing effective odour abatement and mitigation techniques to reduce odour impact to local receptors.