When exploring why laundry detergent is used in chicken farming, it's important to clarify that laundry detergent is not a traditional necessity for raising chickens. However, based on the provided information, we can understand that laundry detergent has significant effects in specific situations—namely, for killing chicken lice.
The main components of laundry detergent are sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and its auxiliary substances, which have a contact killing effect on pests such as lice. The aqueous solution of laundry detergent is alkaline, capable of dissolving the waxy substance on the insect body and forming a thin film that obstructs the air holes, causing the pests to suffocate and die. Additionally, laundry detergent has wettability, spreadability, and adhesiveness. These properties enable the laundry detergent solution to quickly form a thin film on the surface of the insect body, further enhancing its insecticidal effect.
Specifically in the context of chicken farming, using a 1% to 2% laundry detergent solution to wash chicken bodies can not only effectively kill chicken lice but also clean the dirt off the chickens, maintaining their cleanliness and hygiene. This method is economical and convenient, harmless to humans and animals, and does not pollute the environment, making it a plant protection technology worth promoting.
However, it should be noted that although laundry detergent demonstrates excellent performance in killing chicken lice, it does not mean it can be used arbitrarily or excessively. When using it, ensure that the concentration is appropriate to avoid causing unnecessary harm to the chickens. At the same time, the potential impact of laundry detergent on the environment should also be considered, although its impact is relatively small, it should still be used cautiously.
In summary, the main reason for using laundry detergent in chicken farming is to kill chicken lice and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of chicken bodies. When using it, ensure that the method is appropriate, the concentration is suitable, and fully consider its impact on the environment and chicken bodies.