Effect of a Metabolic Stimulant on Ammonia Volatilization from Broiler Litter

Abstract

High NH3 concentrations in broiler and turkey houses can adversely affect bird performance and the environment when exhausted into the atmosphere. Acidifying amendments have been used in poultry houses to reduce NH3 levels, but the acidifiers are caustic and may not be effective for the entire growout of 8 to 9 wk. In this 45-d study, the effect of a metabolic stimulant (biostimulant), Bio-Kat, on exhaust NH3 concentrations from chambers containing broiler litter (supplemented daily with layer manure slurry) was evaluated. Average NH3 concentration in the exhaust air from the chambers containing Bio-Kat-treated litter was reduced by 61% compared with untreated litter. Also, ammoniacal-N concentration in the Bio-Kat-treated litter was double that of untreated litter at the end of the study. The Bio-Kat amendment was most effective during the first 10 to 12 d, and its efficacy decreased over time. Additional work is required to evaluate the more concentrated formulation (for duration of effectiveness and application rate) and identify the proper method of application (i.e., incorporation vs. broadcasting on the surface).