Ammonia Levels in Poultry Houses: An Underrecognized Welfare Problem

High ammonia concentrations in poultry houses cause eye damage, respiratory problems, and pain. Managing litter quality to control ammonia is a direct welfare and productivity intervention.

Key Facts

EU welfare guidelines recommend maximum 20 parts per million ammonia in poultry houses
Studies find ammonia above 25 ppm causes clinical eye damage in broilers within weeks
Ammonia burns the corneal surface causing keratoconjunctivitis that may cause permanent blindness
Litter moisture management through ventilation and stocking density control reduces ammonia production
Higher welfare certification schemes specify maximum ammonia levels and litter quality requirements

Welfare Considerations

Ammonia exposure is a welfare problem that is invisible to most consumers but affects billions of poultry annually. Broilers living on wet litter in inadequately ventilated houses breathe ammonia concentrations that damage their respiratory tracts and eyes over weeks. At concentrations above 25 ppm — regularly exceeded in some commercial facilities — birds develop painful eye conditions including keratoconjunctivitis. The birds may be unable to see their feed and water, causing malnutrition in addition to pain. Litter quality management through appropriate stocking density, effective ventilation, and litter replacement when moisture exceeds safe levels directly addresses this welfare problem at reasonable cost.

What You Can Do

Support higher-welfare poultry certification schemes that specify maximum ammonia and litter standards
Advocate for mandatory ammonia monitoring and reporting in commercial poultry houses
Choose poultry from systems with regular welfare audits that include air quality assessment
Encourage poultry producers to invest in ammonia monitoring technology and ventilation improvements