Farm Animal Welfare

Poultry Ammonia Levels and Respiratory Health

Ammonia from poultry litter causes chronic respiratory damage and eye irritation in broilers, representing a widespread and preventable welfare problem.

Key Facts

Ammonia levels above 20 ppm cause respiratory irritation and eye damage in poultry
Many commercial broiler houses exceed this threshold during winter when ventilation is reduced
Chronic low-level ammonia exposure causes lung pathology detectable at post-mortem
Litter management and ventilation control are the primary tools for ammonia reduction
Real-time ammonia monitoring systems allow proactive ventilation adjustment

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ammonia exposure in poultry houses causes respiratory suffering that is invisible to the casual observer but demonstrable in the lungs of affected birds at slaughter. Ammonia monitoring and management standards are fundamental welfare requirements.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers investing in ammonia monitoring and litter management
Advocate for maximum ammonia exposure standards in poultry welfare legislation
Choose poultry from certified supply chains monitoring air quality