Poultry Article
August 9, 2004
James Parsons
Area Specialized Agent, Poultry
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
To WCCE Poultry News Article Page

Ammonia produced in poultry houses can degrade bird health and performance. When broilers and turkeys are raised on litter, amendments can be used to reduce ammonia levels in the house which could improve bird health and performance. Using amendments may also have other economic and environmental benefits. Reduction in ammonial loss increases the nutrient value of the litter while improving air quality. Litter amendments may also reduce energy cost by reducing ventilation needs. Some litter amendments reduce pathogen and pest levels in the house. One litter amendment (alum) has been shown to improve water quality by reducing soluble phosphorus (P) and heavy metal losses in runoff.

While many litter amendments are commercially available, few have been evaluated and found to be effective in controlled studies. In addition to providing general information on various types of amendments, this article highlights two of those that have been found to be effective in scientific studies.

There are five types of litter amendments for managing ammonia: acidifiers, alkaline material, adsorbers, inhibitors, and microbial treatments. The most commonly used litter amendements are acidifiers and alkaline material. They are briefly discussed below.

1. Acidifiers create acidic conditions (pH less than 7) in the litter resulting in more of the ammoniacal nitrogen being retained as ammonium rather than ammonia. Further, the acidity creates unfavorable conditions for bacteria and enzymes that are involved in the formation of ammonia resulting in reduced ammonia production. Many different types of acidifiers such as alum, sodium bisulfate, ferrous sulfate, and phosphoric acid were found to be effective in controlled studies. However, some acidifiers are not recommended for use in poultry houses for reasons such as bird toxicity (ferrous sulfate) or increased phosphorus levels in the already phosphorus rich litter (phosphoric acid). The most commonly used types of acidifiers are Al+Clear (alum), Poultry Guard, and Poultry Litter Treatment (PLT).
2. Alkaline materials such as agricultural lime, hydrated or slaked lime, or burnt lime increase the litter alkalinity (pH greater than 7), and convert more of the ammonium into ammonia gas. The amount of ammonia produced is governed by the litter pH which will depend on the amount and selection of the material. Combining ventilation and heating with application of alkaline material between flocks can result in venting of large amounts of ammonia, lowering ammonia levels later when the chicks or poults are placed in the house. Adding alkaline material may also reduce soluble phosphorus levels in the litter. However, using alkaline material as litter amendments results in the release of ammonia into the atmosphere that not only reduces the fertilizer value of the litter but may also have a negative impact on the environment. In addition, if the alkaline material is not completely used up during the layout period (between flocks), ammonia levels in the house may be increased when fresh manure is added to the litter.

When using any of these litter amendments, be sure to follow your integrator guides and label directions on the package. The following statements summarize litter amendments. If anyone would like a complete, more detailed report on poultry litter amendments, please do not hesitate to call me at 910.296.2143.

1. High ammonia levels in the poultry house can reduce bird performance and health, reducing profits to the grower and integrator.
2. Acidifiers are the most widely used type of litter amendment.
3. Using amendments after each flock can reduce ammonia levels in the house and may also reduce energy by reducing ventilation needs in the winter.
4. A suitable amendment may also provide other benefits to the grower such as reduced pathogen and pest levels in the house.
5. When litter is treated with alum, the potential of phosphorus and soluble metal losses in runoff are reduced which is beneficial for water quality.
6. Amendments that reduce ammonia levels by converting ammonia to ammonium may reduce ammonia emissions which can otherwise impact public health and environment. Reducing ammonia losses will also improve the fertilizer value of the litter. Odor complaints from neighbors may also be reduced.
7. The grower or applictor should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or supplier on how and when to apply the amendment to make sure that the material is fully-activated and effective. Different amendments may require different application or activation methods to ensure full effectiveness.
8. While applying amendments, the grower or applicator should, at a minimum, wear protective gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirt, goggles, and mask (for granular material).
9. The grower/applicator should maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the supplier to be aware of the hazards associated with the use of the material. The MSDS will also be useful to emergency responders in case of an accident.

Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the NC Cooperative Extension Service in your county.
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