By Blake Jackson
When entering a poultry house, a noticeable ammonia odor often indicates levels already above recommended limits, which can be harmful to birds. Humans generally cannot detect ammonia until it reaches 20-30 parts per million (ppm), while poultry guidelines suggest keeping levels below 25 ppm to protect bird health and meet certification standards.
Frequent exposure can desensitize workers, and even casual visitors acclimate to the smell within 20 minutes. Elevated ammonia can impair respiratory function, increase disease risk, and reduce productivity; research shows broilers exposed to 25-50 ppm may weigh half a pound less at seven weeks compared to birds in cleaner environments.
Ammonia primarily originates from manure decomposition, which produces ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+) depending on pH. Lowering litter pH and moisture helps minimize ammonia release, while temperature is generally maintained for bird comfort. Even a small increase in litter moisture can significantly raise ammonia emissions.
Monitoring ammonia is straightforward with colorimetric tubes, which change color in response to gas exposure. Pull tubes, used with a hand-held pump ($400-700), provide spot-check measurements at a specific location, ideally near bird breathing zones.
Diffusion tubes, on the other hand, passively measure ammonia over hours, offering an average concentration without a pump, though two visits are required to deploy and retrieve the tube. Tubes cost $8-12 each, are available in various concentration ranges, and must be stored in a cool, dark place before expiration.
For accurate measurements, ammonia should be monitored at bird level rather than human head height, as ammonia accumulates near the litter where floor-raised birds live. Proper monitoring and management of litter pH, moisture, and ventilation help ensure poultry health, maintain productivity, and minimize harmful ammonia exposure in poultry facilities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Poultry