Article Title

Ammonia Emissions of Pullets and Effects of Stocking Density

Authors

Luciano B. Mendes, Iowa State University
Hongwei Xin, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Hong Li, Iowa State University

Extension Number

ASL R2527

Topic

Environment

Summary and Implications

Data on ammonia (NH3) emissions from pullets (pre-laying hens) are non-existent, despite the large differences in nutritional and environmental conditions between raising pullets and laying hens. Different stocking densities (SD’s) in housing the birds may be used as a result of certain industry animal welfare guidelines. The objectives of this study were to determine NH3 emission rate (ER) of pullets during the growth period (4-18 wk of age), and to assess the effect of SD on NH3 ER of pullets and laying hens during a 6-d manure accumulation time (MAT).

Data to date showed that there was no significant SD effect on NH3 ER in mg/pullet or mg/kg N intake; however, SD significantly affected NH3 ER in mg/kg manure, with the HD leading to higher NH3 ER per kg manure mainly after 3-d MAT. The results from this study help set a foundation for further field-scale measurement of NH3 emissions, and ultimately development of best management practices to effectively reduce NH3 emissions from egg production operations.

Copyright Holder

Iowa State University

Copyright Date

2010

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-975

Language

en

Recommended Citation

Mendes, Luciano B.; Xin, Hongwei; and Li, Hong (2010) "Ammonia Emissions of Pullets and Effects of Stocking Density," Animal Industry Report: AS 656, ASL R2527.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-975
Available at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ans_air/vol656/iss1/48