Farm Animals

Broiler House Ammonia Welfare and Ventilation Management

Ammonia from poultry litter causes respiratory irritation, eye damage and significant welfare harm in broiler houses. Ventilation management is the primary welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Ammonia concentrations above 20 ppm in broiler houses cause detectable respiratory welfare harm
Legal maximum in UK broiler houses is 20 ppm but routine checking is limited
Ventilation management and litter additives both reduce ammonia levels
Ammonia damage to respiratory mucosa increases susceptibility to respiratory disease

Welfare Considerations

Broiler house ammonia welfare requires adequate ventilation that is particularly challenging in cold weather when farmers reduce air exchange to maintain temperature. Welfare monitoring through regular ammonia measurement should be a requirement in farm assurance schemes.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance schemes that require regular ammonia monitoring in broiler houses
Advocate for lower ammonia action thresholds than current UK guidance
Ask chicken suppliers about their ventilation management and monitoring protocols