Farm Animals

Broiler Chicken Ammonia: Respiratory Health on the Farm

High ammonia levels in poultry houses cause chronic respiratory disease and eye damage in broiler chickens.

Key Facts

Ammonia above 25 ppm impairs respiratory health in chickens
Litter management and ventilation are primary control measures
Eye damage including keratoconjunctivitis occurs at high ammonia levels
Welfare regulations in EU set maximum ammonia thresholds for housing

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory damage from ammonia exposure is painful and persistent. Good litter management, adequate ventilation, and appropriate stocking density are proven tools to keep ammonia below harmful levels.

What You Can Do

Support higher welfare poultry standards that include air quality limits
Choose poultry certified to higher welfare schemes
Advocate for mandatory ammonia monitoring in commercial housing