Ammonia from accumulated poultry litter causes significant respiratory welfare harm in broiler chickens and is associated with increased disease susceptibility and mortality in intensively managed flocks.
Chronic ammonia exposure represents invisible, persistent welfare harm affecting billions of broiler chickens annually. Birds in high-ammonia environments experience eye irritation, respiratory inflammation, and immune suppression that increases vulnerability to disease. The damage is cumulative and may not manifest as obvious illness until secondary infection occurs. Reducing ammonia exposure through litter management, reduced stocking density, and improved ventilation requires investment but produces both welfare and production benefits through reduced disease and medication costs.