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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Poultry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #286713
Title: Effects of frequency of multiple applications of litter amendment on litter ammonia and live performance in a shared airspace

Author
item Purswell, Joseph - Jody
item DAVIS, J - Mississippi State University
item KIESS, A - Mississippi State University
item COUFAL, C - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/2013
Publication Date: 9/15/2013
Citation: Purswell, J.L., Davis, J.D., Kiess, A.S., Coufal, C.D. 2013. Effects of frequency of multiple applications of litter amendment on litter ammonia and live performance in a shared airspace. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 22:469-473.

Interpretive Summary: Mitigation of ammonia (NH3) volatilization from litter is of particular interest given its effects on broiler health and production efficiency, as well as air and water quality concerns. Typical management guidelines recommend aerial NH3 concentrations be limited to 25 ppm. However, concentrations in excess of this recommendation are common in winter months due to limited minimum ventilation to conserve heat. Litter amendments are an effective means to reduce ammonia volatilization and are incorporated into the litter prior to chick placement. This study evaluated the effects of differing application frequencies of sodium bisulfate-based litter amendment on bird performance and equilibrium litter NH3 concentrations. Repeated bi-weekly applications at the manufacturer’s recommended rate (100 lb/1000 sq ft) reduced litter ammonia concentrations by 56.6% and 21.8% at 42 and 57 days of age, respectively. Live performance and foot pad quality were not affected by bi-weekly application of the litter amendment.

Technical Abstract: Mitigation of ammonia (NH3) volatilization from litter is of particular interest given its effects on broiler health and production efficiency, as well as air and water quality concerns. Typical management guidelines recommend aerial NH3 concentrations be limited to 25 ppm. However, concentrations in excess of this recommendation are common in winter months due to limited minimum ventilation to conserve heat. Litter amendments are an effective means to reduce ammonia volatilization and are applied to the litter prior to chick placement. This study evaluated the effects of differing application frequencies of sodium bisulfate-based litter amendment on bird performance and equilibrium litter NH3 concentrations. Treatments consisted of no amendment application (negative control), initial application prior to placement (positive control), and varied application schedules at 14, 28, and 43 days at 0.49 kg/m2 (100 lb/1000 ft2). Repeated application of litter amendment did not negatively affect live performance or foot pad quality. More frequent application of litter amendment significantly reduced equilibrium litter NH3 concentration when compared to the negative and positive controls. The most effective application program was bi-weekly, with significant reductions of 56.6% (P = 0.038) and 21.8% (P = 0.003) at 42 and 57 d, respectively. These results indicate that repeated application during growout can effectively mitigate ammonia volatilization from litter without incurring reductions in live performance or foot pad quality.