Ammonia from litter decomposition in broiler sheds causes eye damage, respiratory disease, and chronic discomfort affecting millions of chickens globally.
Chronic ammonia exposure causes suffering invisible in routine farm inspections but measurable in bird physiology and pathology. Birds in high-ammonia environments have consistently poorer eye health, higher respiratory disease rates, and reduced activity. The welfare cost compounds as litter ages through the production cycle. Ventilation investment and litter management that maintains air quality are among the most impactful welfare interventions available.