Ammonia and Broiler Welfare in Intensive Housing

Ammonia accumulation in broiler houses causes eye damage, respiratory disease, and foot lesions that compromise welfare across millions of birds.

Key Facts

Ammonia concentrations in broiler houses frequently exceed 20ppm, the recommended welfare threshold
Eye irritation and conjunctivitis from ammonia impair vision and bird orientation in flocks
Respiratory tract damage from ammonia increases susceptibility to respiratory disease outbreaks
Litter quality is the primary determinant of ammonia levels in broiler housing
Good ventilation and lower stocking density significantly reduce ammonia accumulation

Welfare Considerations

Chronic exposure to elevated ammonia causes persistent irritation of mucous membranes, impairs respiratory function, and damages the cornea causing vision loss in birds unable to escape the environment. Ammonia also degrades litter quality, increasing contact dermatitis risk. The welfare harm from poor air quality in broiler houses is widespread and measurable, yet often normalised in industry practice. Continuous air quality monitoring, adequate ventilation design, and litter management are all effective mitigation strategies that should be mandatory requirements.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory continuous ammonia monitoring requirements in broiler houses
Advocate for ventilation design standards linked to bird welfare outcomes
Choose chicken from free-range or organic systems with better air quality
Support research into litter additives and management practices reducing ammonia