How Does Ammonia Affect Poultry ?

Research studies on poultry examining the effects of ammonia levels on productivity have shown varying results. Some studies warn that the maximum concentration should not exceed 25 ppm, while others indicate that long-term exposure at 20 ppm may lead to issues such as weakened immunity and respiratory damage. Another study reported that when poultry were given the choice of environments with different ammonia levels, they preferred areas with concentrations below 11 ppm.

Ammonia is toxic to animals. High concentrations can cause severe changes such as breathing difficulties, tracheal irritation, airsacculitis, conjunctival inflammation, or a combination of these symptoms. Other, less obvious changes may occur from prolonged exposure to lower concentrations. Several studies have found that exposure to 20–25 ppm of ammonia throughout the production cycle increases the risk of secondary infections caused by viruses or bacteria.

Further Effects of Ammonia on Poultry

Reduced feed efficiency and tissue damage have been observed in broilers exposed to ammonia concentrations of 20–30 ppm for 16–28 days. In turkeys, studies revealed that among birds challenged with E. coli, those exposed to ammonia at levels ranging from 10–40 ppm had higher bacterial loads in the lungs compared to those not exposed. For laying hens, there are warnings that early exposure to ammonia may have long-lasting effects, potentially impacting the productivity of female pullets when they later become laying hens. Moreover, continuous exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can lead to reduced egg production.

At the microscopic level, researchers found that ammonia exposure can induce various physiological changes in poultry. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations for 20 days was shown to reduce intestinal surface area (thereby impairing nutrient absorption), lower the animal’s resistance to oxidative stress, decrease digestive efficiency, and affect the function of immune-related organs. Notably, even short-term exposure to high ammonia concentrations may have effects comparable to longer-term exposure at moderate levels.