How do moisture content, friability, and crust development of litter influence ammonia concentrations in broiler production?

Litter is the main source of ammonia (NH3) in broiler houses. The quality thereof affects amount NH3 volatilized and emitted from house as well welfare birds. A trial was conducted to determine how addition water litter (by spraying surface) raking or leaving undisturbed will influence concentrations at level, composition, bird welfare, performance under experimental conditions. total 2160 Ross 308 male broilers were divided into following 6 treatments, each with replicates 60 animals: NR(0) = no litter, added; R(0) NR(1.5) 1.5 L R(1.5) NR(3.0) 3.0 R(3.0) added. introduced 10 d age, a frequency 2 3 times per week. At 38 higher for raked treatments than which not (P < 0.001). coincided pH 0.001) temperature R × W lower uric acid nitrogen (N) concentration 37 age. resulted scores 29 age incidence foot lesions 0.006) 0.025). Regardless moisture lead subsequent broilers. This study demonstrates that development crust on top layer reduces formation litter. Compacted while friable led more being