Intensive Farming

Chicken Ammonia Exposure Welfare

Ammonia from poultry litter causes significant welfare harm through respiratory damage and contact burns in commercial flocks.

Key Facts

EU regulations limit ammonia in poultry houses to 20 ppm
Higher levels cause respiratory damage, eye lesions, and foot pad dermatitis
Foot pad dermatitis scoring reflects both litter quality and ammonia exposure
Ventilation management and litter amendments reduce ammonia accumulation

Welfare Considerations

Chickens exposed to ammonia above 20 ppm develop respiratory inflammation, conjunctivitis, and foot pad dermatitis caused by contact between wet litter and foot skin. Foot pad dermatitis is painful and affects walking ability. Ammonia exposure above 50 ppm causes immediate irritation and corneal damage. Good litter management and ventilation prevent most ammonia-related welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Support poultry welfare standards with ammonia monitoring requirements
Advocate for foot pad dermatitis scoring as a welfare metric
Choose certified poultry from operations with documented litter management
Back research into litter management reducing ammonia in poultry housing