The quality of litter in broiler sheds directly determines ammonia exposure and respiratory health for billions of chickens, with poorly managed litter causing chronic respiratory and skin disease.
The air quality inside a poorly managed broiler shed causes chronic respiratory harm equivalent to working in a heavily polluted industrial environment — except the chickens cannot leave. Ammonia causes corneal damage, potentially leading to blindness, and respiratory irritation that compromises immune function and increases disease susceptibility. Every factor driving ammonia accumulation is manageable: stocking density, ventilation rate, litter material and moisture control. The welfare case for mandatory ammonia limits backed by monitoring requirements is strong. Consumers who choose certified broiler products from schemes requiring ammonia monitoring are indirectly improving respiratory welfare for millions of birds.