(PLT) As a Litter Treatment
ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Sodium Bisulfate (PLT) ANR-1208 as a Litter Treatment he detrimental effects of ammonia in experimental study evaluating the various litter treat- poultry production have been known for ment products under various management conditions. Litter moisture, brooding and lighting programs, years. Numerous laboratory and field ambient temperature, strain type, ventilation manage- studies have shown how ammonia affects ment, litter management, and disease challenge are T only a few of the variables that can impact product bird health and performance. Continued exposure selection, efficacy, and potential return on investment. to ammonia levels in the poultry house as low as In the selection of a litter treatment product, one must identify the goals for application. Litter 10 parts per million (ppm) can damage the bird’s treatments may be cost-effective and justifiable respiratory system and allow infectious agents to under one or more of the following situations: • High fuel prices become established, leading to declining flock • Extremely cold weather health and performance. In addition, body weight, • Short layout periods feed efficiency, and condemnation rate will be • Persistent disease challenges poorer in birds exposed to levels of ammonia that • Severe vaccination reactions • Reduced ammonia-related stress exceed 25 ppm. • Prolonged litter reuse The volatilization of ammonia has been attrib- • Increased bird density uted to microbial decomposition of nitrogenous compounds, principally uric acid, in poultry house • Needed marginal management litter. Litter pH plays an important role in ammonia or housing situations volatilization. Once formed, free ammonia will be Litter treatments may be used to enhance the in one of two forms: as the uncharged form of NH composition of the litter as a fertilizer or as part of 3 a best management practice to reduce food-borne or the ammonium ion (NH4), depending on the pH of the litter.
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