Livestock

Farmed Broiler Ammonia Levels and Respiratory Welfare

High ammonia levels in broiler sheds cause respiratory disease and eye damage.

Key Facts

Ammonia from litter causes respiratory irritation above 10 ppm
Many commercial sheds exceed 25 ppm, the UK maximum permissible level
Eye disease including ammonia burn causes chronic pain in affected birds
Litter management and ventilation are key to ammonia control

Welfare Considerations

Broilers living in high-ammonia environments experience chronic respiratory irritation and eye damage from ammonia contact. Corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis cause significant pain and visual impairment. Chronic low-level respiratory irritation predisposes birds to infectious respiratory disease. Ammonia management through litter quality, ventilation, and appropriate stocking density is a basic welfare requirement that is frequently inadequate in commercial systems.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory ammonia monitoring and reporting requirements in broiler sheds
Advocate for maximum allowable ammonia levels below current thresholds
Choose higher welfare certified chicken products
Reduce conventional broiler consumption to reduce demand for high-ammonia production systems