Evaluation of Ammonia and Infectious Bronchitis Vaccination Stress on Broiler Performance and Carcass Quality

Abstract

Eighty broiler chicks were randomly assigned to each of 12 chambers in a controlled environment building. Anhydrous ammonia gas was introduced into the test chambers from 4–8 weeks of age so treatments consisted of 0, 25 and 50 parts per million (p.p.m.) of NH3. Chicks were vaccinated at 5 weeks of age with a commercial strain of infectious bronchitis dust vaccine. Eight week body weights and feed efficiencies of broilers exposed to ammonia were significantly reduced. At 6 and 8 weeks of age a severe airsacculitis condition was observed in the ammoniated broilers. During the eight week period airborne bacteria were significantly greater in the 25 and 50 p.p.m. NH3 chambers. Ammonia and infectious bronchitis vaccination stress did not affect meat flavor, tenderness or juiciness, but significantly increased condemnations and undergrade carcasses.