air quality

[Md. Abdul Bari]

Good

[Amir Sohel]

CO₂ and NH₃ levels are measured using gas detection devices, including portable and stationary sensors. These devices typically use electrochemical or non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to detect the presence and concentration of these gases

[Md. Haider Hossain]

Thanks for share good information.

[Olayiwola Danso]

1. Carbondioxide (CO2): Acceptable range: below 3,000ppm (parts per million); ideally < 2,500 ppm. Digital CO2 meters: (e.g., NDIR handheld sensors). Signs of high CO2: Birds gasping or panting, Drowsiness or crowding near vents, Lethargy in chicks, poor early growth.

2. Ammonia (NH3): Acceptable range: below 25 ppm; ideally < 10 ppm. Tools to measure: Ammonia detector tubes, electronic NH3 sensors / meters. Signs of high ammonia: Eye and nasal irritation in birds and workers, Watery eyes, swollen sinuses, Wet litter and strong odor, Increased respiratory infections.

How to adjust or improve air quality:

1. Improve ventilation

2. Manage litter effectively

3. Control stocking density

4. Use air quality enhancers: some farms use herbal extracts, essential oils, or acidifiers in water or feed to support respiratory health.

5. Maintain clean equipment.

[Bello Bashir Bello]

In a poultry house, air quality parameters like CO₂ and NH₃ are measured using specialized sensors and then adjusted through ventilation and other methods. CO₂ is typically measured using non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors, while NH₃ is measured with electrochemical or tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy sensors. Once measured, adjustments are made by controlling ventilation, managing litter, and potentially using ammonia neutralizing products.

[Asia Community Manager]

AIR QUALITY

The following should be considered as general information; however, you should always seek professional advice, specific to your individual circumstances.

Good air quality is often defined as:

• Ammonia <10ppm
• Oxygen >20.6%
• Carbon dioxide <3,000ppm
• Carbon monoxide <10ppm
• Relative humidity 55-75%

Environmental sensors in a poultry house should be placed at bird level because this is where the birds actually live and experience their environment. Conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and ammonia can vary significantly at different heights within the shed. Placing sensors at bird level ensures that the data collected accurately reflects the microclimate that directly affects bird health, comfort, and performance.

Bird behavior is widely recognized as the best and most immediate indicator of whether ventilation is adequate in a poultry house. While measurements (temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen, ammonia and carbon dioxide levels) are essential, observing the birds themselves gives real-time feedback on their comfort and well-being.

Carefully monitor the effects of altering temperature on the bird’s behaviour, what you see – bird distribution, and how many birds are feeding, drinking, and resting, what is their respiration like and litter quality. It’s not just what you see – but also what you hear. Birds that are noisy and distress calling may be cold, whereas birds that are quite may be too hot. This may give an early warning of a problem with ventilation, such as excess heat, drafts, or poor air quality, allowing prompt corrective action.

This is because, how warm the birds feel (effective temperature), may not be the same as the temperature indicated by the house temperature sensor. Don’t rely 100% on house control units, measure the actual house temperature as well, and most importantly look at bird behaviour to determine the adequacy of the environment.

The objective is to visit the house with as little disruption to the birds’ behaviour as possible. You want to assess how happy are the birds with the environment you are providing them. Firstly, make sure no one has been in the house in the last 30 minutes. Approach the house quietly – and not while you are on your mobile.

[Md kayum]

Use sensors.