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Vol. 3, Issue 4, Part A (2018)

Ammonia production in the poultry houses and its harmful effects

Author(s): IU Sheikh, SS Nissa, Bushra Zaffer, KH Bulbul, AH Akand, HA Ahmed, Dilruba Hasin, Isfaqul Hussain and SA Hussain
Abstract: The ammonia concentration in the poultry houses should not exceeds 25ppm. Above 25 ppm the performance of the birds affects adversely. High levels also reduces body weight gain, feed conversion, overall liveability, carcass condemnation rate and the immune system of the birds and susceptible to diseases. The presence of excessively high levels of ammonia in the air, for any time period, will lead to discomfort to the birds. Ammonia is a strong oxidative stressor that can cause irritation and inflammation. Birds exposed to high level of ammonia concentrations negatively affect the development of immune system. The rate of ammonia volatilization from litter is dependent on pH, moisture content, ventilation rate, air velocity, manure nitrogen concentration, and temperature. The pH of the litter is an important factor in controlling ammonia volatilization because it determines the ratio of volatile ammonia to ammonium, the ionic and non-volatile forms of ammonical nitrogen. The damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system caused by higher level of ammonia increases the susceptibility of birds for respiratory infection, especially E. coli infection. Human can generally smell ammonia at concentrations between 20 and 30 ppm. The ammonia gas in poultry sheds critically affects the health and welfare condition of the birds.
Pages: 30-33  |  1467 Views  34 Downloads


International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
How to cite this article:
IU Sheikh, SS Nissa, Bushra Zaffer, KH Bulbul, AH Akand, HA Ahmed, Dilruba Hasin, Isfaqul Hussain, SA Hussain. Ammonia production in the poultry houses and its harmful effects. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2018;3(4):30-33.
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International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry