Project Number: 6406-32630-005-02
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 19, 2004
End Date: Jun 30, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to improve the internal environment in broiler houses by reducing the levels of ammonia in the air. The improved environment will benefit bird health, growth, feed efficiency and well being.

Approach:
Broiler chickens will be obtained from a commercial hatchery on the day of hatch. They will be housed in research pens ranging from environmental chambers to small pens to commercial size broiler houses. During this time, data will be collected relating ammonia production to the following: diet composition, use of litter amendments, other management practices, and broiler growth and well being (stress). The data will be analyzed to determine the effects of ammonia on broilers and to determine the effectiveness of management practices that can be used to reduce or eliminate ammonia production in the housing used.