Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare Ammonia and Air Quality

Ammonia from poultry litter causes respiratory damage and eye irritation in housed birds, with litter management and ventilation being key welfare interventions.

Key Facts

Ammonia levels above 20ppm cause eye and respiratory tissue damage in poultry
Broiler litter is the primary ammonia source requiring good ventilation management
Litter moisture management through ventilation controls ammonia production
Footpad dermatitis rates correlate with ammonia exposure and litter quality
UK welfare regulations specify maximum ammonia concentrations for poultry housing

Welfare Considerations

Poultry ammonia welfare requires active litter and ventilation management to maintain air quality below harmful thresholds. High ammonia is both a welfare indicator and a welfare cause. Regular monitoring with simple test kits enables proactive management.

What You Can Do

Advocate for ammonia monitoring requirements in poultry welfare certification
Support research into litter management practices that reduce ammonia production
Choose higher welfare certified poultry from schemes with air quality requirements