Why is monitoring ammonia and carbon dioxide on poultry farms important?
Poultry farming is big business. In fact, chicken is the most popular meat in the world, eggs are a global protein source, and turkey remains a staple in many diets.
Historically, poultry was raised on small, local family farms. Today, however, most poultry and eggs are produced in large-scale operations. According to the American Egg Board, 177 U.S. companies with flocks over 75,000 laying hens produce 99% of domestic eggs. In broiler production, around 40 companies process 9 billion birds annually.
Whether broilers or egg-laying hens, most chicks are grown in poultry houses which house thousands of birds. These operations must maintain optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) to protect bird health, meet FDA standards, and ensure profit margins. Two key gases monitored in these environments are carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3).
Real-Time Gas Detection on Poultry Farms
In order to maximize the weight gain of broilers or egg production of hens, constant environmental monitoring of these houses is required.
We take a look at just how important gas detection is in poultry environments, with one of our very own customers Jason Yordy - a 5th generation farmer and CEO of TurkeyTrac.
TurkeyTrac provides highly advanced, real time data and performance analysis for a variety of poultry farms. Their mission is to deliver perfect performance, support and to set a new standard in terms of poultry farm technology and innovation.
To collect data TurkeyTrac uses the CO2Meter Multi Gas Detector (CM-505) to monitor both carbon dioxide and ammonia levels, portably, throughout the farm.
We interviewed Yordy about the importance of gas monitoring and his overall experience.
Yordy stated: "We use a CO2Meter product that monitors CO2 every second of the flock’s life. I used the CM-505 to validate our stationary system. As I walk across the barn, I realized CO2 levels varied. That insight allowed me to adjust ventilation and create a more consistent environment. In the winter, it’s also tough to push fresh air in without compromising heat. It’s a balancing act between temperature, humidity, CO2, ammonia, and cost."
Before implementing gas detection, ammonia levels were judged by smell, now TurkeyTrac uses ppm readings to proactively manage air quality. "When NH3 increases, we get a number that triggers action. We want to prevent levels that negatively impact birds."
Proper ventilation also helps maintain bird health while managing energy costs. Alongside temperature and humidity, farms like ours, now can monitor CO2 and NH3 to optimize both growth and safety.
The Impact of Ammonia and CO2 on Poultry Growth and Productivity
Maintaining optimal CO2 and ammonia levels has a direct impact on bird health, feed conversion, and growth rate. High CO2 can suppress the immune system and reduce oxygen intake, while elevated ammonia causes eye irritation, respiratory issues, and decreased egg or meat production.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that CO2 should remain below 5,000 ppm, with ideal levels below 3,500 ppm. In the EU, the poultry standard is even lower at <2,500 ppm. Similarly, NH3 levels should be kept under 25 ppm to prevent health complications and performance loss.
By installing accurate gas detection systems, farmers can reduce disease, improve air quality, and ultimately increase output, whether in broiler chickens or laying hens.
Further, ventilation of poultry houses is designed to balance the requirements of bird health and growth with energy costs. Like an office building, too little ventilation leads to poor air quality. Too much ventilation raises heating and cooling costs.
By regulating CO2 and NH3, farmers can shorten the time it takes to transform the chicks into broilers or egg-laying hens.
Choosing the Right Ammonia Gas Detector for Poultry Applications
The farming and poultry industry plays a fundamental role in our lives, reliably bringing in crops, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products to our tables and businesses every day. However, due to the processes involved, those working in this industry are also confronted by regular toxic gas hazards, which can potentially have severe consequences.
For those working in these environments, gas detection devices are the only tool that can accurately monitor and measure complex gas ranges like NH3 concentrations.
These devices come in two forms, fixed gas detection or portable gas detection solutions dependent upon your environment or application needs.
- NH3 Fixed Gas Detectors – Ideal for high-risk areas. These wall-mounted devices continuously monitor ammonia levels and alert users via visual/audible alarms when dangerous levels are detected. They also allow automated ventilation systems to respond proactively.
- NH3 Portable Gas Detectors – Best for mobile personnel or multiple barns. These handheld units allow users to spot-check ammonia concentrations across facilities, providing real-time data and stored logs for long-term trend analysis.
Whether your goal is ensuring regulatory compliance, improving bird welfare, or increasing profit margins, having the right ammonia detection system is crucial.
Ammonia Fixed Gas Detectors for Poultry Farms
For fixed ammonia gas detection the NH3 Ammonia Fixed Gas Detector is used to measure ammonia in a variety of applications, but primarily in poultry.
Because Ammonia concentrations are particularly high in poultry applications, these concentrations can not only negatively affect personnel but also harm the surrounding animals.
With the use of an Ammonia Fixed Gas Detector these solutions can be wall-mounted in high hazard areas and provide instant notification by audible/visual alarms if NH3 concentrations have exceeded the normal safety threshold.
Further, this mitigates hazard from occurring by warning personnel prior to entering a dangerous area and ventilation protocols can be taken into account to eliminate hazards on the animals and staff.
Ammonia Portable Gas Detectors for Poultry Farms
For those personnel that are looking to spot check specific areas in a poultry farm or whom are moving to different facilities on-the-go, an Ammonia Portable Gas Detector is the ideal solution. It is designed to be used to measure NH3 concentrations in real-time and further provides long-term data storage and audible alarm indication should concentrations exceed the normal threshold.
While poultry farmers typically use the rule of thumb that relative humidity between 60-80% results in acceptable indoor air quality, the introduction of NH3 analysis can also further fine-tune air quality, resulting in improved poultry growth and output for farms across the globe.
Trust the Experts in Gas Detection
Whether you manage a single barn or a nationwide poultry operation, CO2Meter offers reliable gas detection solutions to meet your needs.
Contact our gas safety experts to learn more about ammonia and CO2 monitoring in poultry applications and get matched with the right detection device today.
