Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Chicken Ammonia Exposure and Welfare

Elevated ammonia levels in broiler sheds cause eye and respiratory irritation, behavioral changes, and long-term health effects in millions of birds.

Key Facts

Ammonia above 25 ppm causes eye inflammation and lacrimation in broilers
Chronic exposure above 50 ppm damages respiratory mucosa increasing disease susceptibility
Ammonia accumulates from decomposing litter when ventilation is insufficient
Birds avoid high-ammonia areas when given the choice
EU welfare guidelines recommend maximum 20 ppm ammonia

Welfare Considerations

Broilers raised in high-ammonia environments experience continuous irritation affecting eyes, respiratory tract, and immune system. Many sheds routinely exceed recommended limits, exposing billions of birds to preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory ammonia monitoring and maximum limits in welfare codes
Support certification schemes that include air quality standards
Choose chicken from certified farms with demonstrated air quality management