This project will investigate how to reduce ammonia emissions from broiler houses using commercially available additives.
Background
Broiler production has been a growth area in Welsh agriculture in recent years. The growing demand for chicken has provided viable diversification opportunities for a number of Welsh farmers. An inevitable consequence of any form of poultry farming is the production of ammonia, through the natural breakdown of urates within poultry manure. Ammonia emissions from poultry production can have a number of significant impacts on the environment, bird welfare, and broiler economics.
Existing legislation is in place to reduce ammonia emissions from poultry farms. High levels of ammonia emissions are cited as one of the main reasons for permits being refused or for planned expansion being prohibited. Modern housing with better ventilation and heating along with improved litter has reduced ammonia emissions, however further improvements may be possible by using additives.
The use of ammonia-reducing additives, either applied directly to the litter or supplied to the birds via the drinking water, offers an additional means of further reducing ammonia production. Two established commercial broiler producers, with modern buildings and many years’ experience of producing poultry for the UK market, are involved in this one year project investigating how these additives can reduce their ammonia emissions.
Project plan
- Three different ammonia reducing additives will be tested
- Each of the three additives will be used for one production cycle (2 months) on each farm
The following variables will be monitored and recorded for each treatment:
- Ammonia levels within the houses
- In house temperature
- Foot pad condition, hock and gait scoring
- Feather condition
- Litter condition
- Mean bird liveweight
- Flock mortality
- Feed intake
The potential improvements in animal health/performance and reduction in ammonia emissions provided by additives are much talked about, and this project will help farmers assess whether they are a useful tool for them to employ in reducing ammonia levels on farm.
EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.