Low Concentrations of Ammonia During Brooding Decrease Broiler Weight

Abstract Broiler chickens were exposed to ammonia in the atmosphere during the 0 to 28 day brooding period. Exposure levels were 0, 25, and 50 ppm continuously, and 50 ppm for 12 hr per day; ammonia exposure was stopped after 4 weeks, but birds were reared to 7 weeks of age. Continuous exposure to 50 ppm reduced body weight at 7 weeks of age by 8%; continuous exposure to 25 ppm reduced weights by 4%. Exposure to 50 ppm for 12 hr per day reduced weights by 3%, which was not significant at the .05 level of probability. There was no discernible effect on feed conversion or mortality.