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Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2008 Publication Date: 8/1/2008 Citation: Miles, D.M. 2008. Vertical stratification of ammonia in a broiler house. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 17:348-353. Interpretive Summary: The problematic nature of ammonia production in animal rearing facilities is pertinent to the broiler industry. Though today’s headlines 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 ammonia and investigated different ammonia analysis technologies. Seasonal effects controlling house conditions for bird comfort correlate to trends in ammonia concentration at particular measurement heights. When tunnel ventilation was primary, ammonia concentrations decreased vertically with increasing distance from the litter. However, when heat conservation was dominant and the house atmosphere stagnant, 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. Technical Abstract: The broiler industry is not immune to the problematic nature of ammonia production in animal rearing facilities. Though today’s headlines 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 ammonia combined with sampling position down the center of the house and with different ammonia analysis technologies. The results indicate that seasonal effects controlling house management for bird comfort correlate to trends in ammonia concentration at particular measurement heights. When tunnel ventilation was primary, concentrations decreased vertically with increasing distance from the litter surface. However, when energy (heat) conservation was paramount and the house atmosphere stagnant, 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. |
