Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Ammonia Monitoring 2026

High ammonia levels in poultry houses cause respiratory disease and eye damage, making air quality monitoring a critical welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Ammonia above 25 ppm causes eye damage and respiratory disease in poultry
Commercial broiler houses frequently exceed 50 ppm ammonia during winter housing
Litter management is the primary determinant of ammonia levels in poultry houses
Automated ammonia sensors with ventilation control can maintain levels below 10 ppm
EU regulations limit maximum ammonia to 20 ppm in laying hen houses

Welfare Considerations

High ammonia causes chronic suffering that is largely invisible to casual observation. Monitoring and ventilation management are achievable interventions that prevent this suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory ammonia monitoring in poultry welfare regulations
Support litter quality standards as a welfare indicator
Choose poultry products from farms with documented air quality management