Livestock

Ammonia in Poultry Houses and Bird Health

Ammonia produced by decomposing litter is a major welfare hazard in poultry houses, causing respiratory disease and eye damage in both birds and farm workers.

Key Facts

Ammonia concentrations above 25 ppm cause respiratory irritation in broilers
Eye damage and conjunctivitis are documented in birds kept in high ammonia environments
Good ventilation management can maintain ammonia below welfare threshold levels
Litter pH and moisture content are the primary determinants of ammonia production
Higher stocking densities exacerbate ammonia accumulation by increasing waste production

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ammonia exposure impairs respiratory health, reduces feed intake, and suppresses immune function in poultry. Birds in high-ammonia environments show eye discharge and reluctance to move. Ventilation management, litter management, and stocking density control are the primary levers for reducing ammonia welfare impacts. Workers in these environments face occupational health risks alongside the birds.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification standards that include ammonia monitoring requirements
Choose poultry products from farms with documented ventilation management
Advocate for ammonia concentration limits in poultry welfare legislation
Support research into litter treatments that reduce ammonia production
Encourage farm assurance bodies to include air quality in welfare audits