Farm Animal Welfare

Poultry Welfare and Ammonia in Turkey Houses

Ammonia from litter decomposition in turkey houses causes respiratory disease, eye irritation and welfare problems. Managing ammonia levels is critical to turkey wellbeing.

Key Facts

Ammonia at 20ppm causes eye and respiratory irritation in poultry
Turkey houses can exceed 50ppm without active ventilation management
Litter moisture content is the primary driver of ammonia volatilisation
Litter amendments such as alum and zeolite can reduce ammonia generation
EU regulations set maximum permitted ammonia levels in intensive poultry buildings

Welfare Considerations

Ammonia exposure is a chronic, cumulative welfare insult in poorly managed turkey houses. Litter management and ventilation investment directly translate to better bird welfare.

What You Can Do

Support ammonia reduction standards in poultry welfare certification
Advocate for mandatory air quality monitoring in intensive turkey houses
Choose turkey from welfare-certified farms with verified litter management