Vertical Stratification of Ammonia in a Broiler House

The broiler industry is not immune to the problematic nature of NH3 production in animal rearing facilities. Though the headlines of today focus on environmental impact considerations, the detrimental effects of the house air quality on farmers and birds remain considerable for industry viability. This research investigated the vertical stratification of in-house NH3 combined with sampling position down the center of the house and with different NH3 analysis technologies. The results indicated that reuse of litter and house ventilation correlate to trends in NH3 concentration at particular measurement heights. When tunnel ventilation was primary, NH3 concentrations decreased vertically with increasing distance from the litter surface. However, with lower outside temperatures, little ventilation, and a stagnant house atmosphere, no concentration gradient was evident. The work also demonstrated significant variability among professionally calibrated instruments and traditionally used pull tubes. Characterization of interior air quality of broiler houses should consider sampling height to effectively address bird exposure.