Moisture is the number-one variable poultry producers must manage to help control ammonia production, thereby boosting bird health and performance. The inherent challenges that accompany ammonia have not changed. However, it often seems that producers have become accustomed to its impact, just as desensitization to ammonia’s smell occurs.
Regardless of the size of the poultry operation, it is important to manage ammonia’s detrimental impact on bird health and performance.
Source: Watt AgNET, November 25, 2018. Link.
Over 95% of what birds are standing on today is pure manure, with organic material mixed in that is constantly being broken down. This is a highly enriched environment of microorganisms; billions of bacteria, creating an environment of emitting gases that can have negative effects on birds.
INSIGHTS: This information may not be common knowledge for the backyard poultry producer. Winter months accentuate ammonia challenges as birds are frequently shut in to protect them from the cold.