Effective Strategies for Managing Ammonia Levels in Poultry Houses

Maintaining optimal ammonia levels in poultry houses is crucial for enhancing air quality and promoting better poultry health and productivity. There are several approaches to achieve this, which can be employed individually or in combination.

A common concern for poultry producers, alongside pest issues, is the odor emanating from manure. The presence of ammonia not only contributes to unpleasant smells but can also pose health risks to both poultry and farmworkers. Understanding the formation of ammonia, its effects on birds, and strategies for controlling its levels can significantly improve poultry management practices.

Understanding Ammonia Formation

Ammonia is generated from nitrogen, a key component of poultry diets, which can come from protein sources. While some nitrogen is utilized by the birds for tissue and egg production, a significant portion is excreted primarily as uric acid, ammonia, and urea. Through microbial activity and enzymatic processes in manure, these compounds convert to ammonia, which is then released into the atmosphere.

Factors influencing ammonia production and release in poultry houses include:

- Type of litter

- Bird activity levels

- Stocking density

- Manure management practices

- Frequency of manure removal

- Ventilation rates

- Nitrogen content in feed

- Environmental temperature

- Humidity levels

- pH of litter

Impact of Ammonia on Poultry

Research findings regarding the effects of ammonia exposure on poultry vary. Some studies suggest that ammonia levels should not exceed 25 ppm, while others indicate that prolonged exposure to 20 ppm can lead to immune system impairment and respiratory issues. Furthermore, poultry typically avoid environments where ammonia exceeds 11 ppm.

?Ammonia can be harmful to birds, resulting in symptoms like respiratory distress, tracheal irritation, and inflammation of mucous membranes. Chronic exposure to moderate ammonia levels can also increase vulnerability to secondary infections, reduce feed efficiency, and cause tissue damage. In broilers, exposure to 20–30 ppm over extended periods has shown detrimental effects, while turkeys exposed to 10–40 ppm amid an E. coli challenge displayed heightened bacterial presence in their lungs. Additionally, early exposure to ammonia may affect the long-term performance of laying hens, impacting egg production.

?At the cellular level, ammonia exposure can alter physiological functions. High levels over a 20-day period have been linked to reduced intestinal surface area, diminished nutrient absorption, compromised resistance to oxidative stress, and impaired immune function.

?Strategies for Reducing Ammonia Levels

Several techniques can help manage ammonia in poultry houses, enhancing air quality and supporting poultry health:

1. Ventilation: Effective ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality by removing ammonia and introducing fresh air. Although it doesn't prevent ammonia formation, adequate ventilation throughout the year can help lower gas levels and maintain dry litter.

2. Barn Management: Proper management practices are essential to minimize ammonia production. Keeping litter dry is critical. Solutions include repairing leaks in watering systems, selecting appropriate litter types, managing humidity levels, reducing condensation risks, and ensuring proper heating and ventilation.

3. Dietary Management: Ammonia formation is linked to nitrogen levels in manure, often resulting from incomplete protein digestion. This can occur if the diet contains excessive complex proteins or if birds are unwell. Additionally, natural sprays like NWK AF-V (A) from Naewoi Korea can bind ammonia in manure, minimizing its release into the atmosphere.

AF-V (A) has been shown to neutralize ammonia level by 50%.

?However, these strategies may be compromised by factors such as litter accumulation, moisture levels, bird type, barn temperature, and health challenges.

?Managing ammonia emissions in poultry houses is a multifaceted challenge within the industry. By implementing a combination of effective ventilation, meticulous barn management, and roper natural products like AF-V (A) to mitigate ammonia can significantly enhance the quality of the environment and the well-being of their poultry throughout the year.