The respiratory tract of avian is normally equipped with protective mechanisms to prevent or limit infection by airborne bacteria. Efficient defense mechanisms remove inhaled particles and keep airways clean. Thus, infection of the respiratory tract has to be thought of in relation to the function of these defensive elements. These defensive elements; cilia, mucus membranes, and macrophages of the lung's cells must function jointly to keep the airways free of disease-producing bacteria. The obstruction of any of these components may allow an accumulation of microbes in the respiratory tract and result in an affliction.
Ammonia is produced in the litter by microbial decomposition of nitrogen-containing substances (manure). This can be summarized by the writing the simplified chemical reaction:
Temperature and bacteria catalyze this process to create high ammonia levels in poultry houses. When the ammonia is inhaled it quickly dissolves in the liquid of the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract and eyes to form an irritating alkali that causes ammonia burns in these areas. Birds raised in conditions of detectable ammonia levels possess areas of deciliation, closed eyelids, may not eat, and often appear emaciated.
The stress, caused by the extended periods of high levels of ammonia, predisposed birds to respiratory diseases. This results in increased feed conversions and condemnation rates along with decreased growth rates and lower livability. What are the monetary values of these in lost profits for each flock that is produced?
Litter management is continuously brought to the forefront as poultry producers see the cool, wet season approach and it regains top priority. The producer is aware of the importance of good ventilation, however, often compromises air quality with the high cost of heating a production unit. The reuse of litter over many flocks due to its higher costs and poorer quality material have both lead to a build up of an ammonia source that is just waiting for favorable conditions to volatilize and cause havoc on an operation. If the moisture and consequently the ammonia levels can be reduced by 40-60% or more, the subsequent savings are passed on to the grower and integrator alike. The grower has reduced costs through the drier litter absorbing less heat reducing the time on exhaust fans because of the better air quality, and has fewer mortalities to dispose of. The integrator receives a bird of higher quality, increased weight gains, improved feed conversion and less condemnation.
Ammonia Hold is a new, safe innovative product that has many valuable benefits. It is an orthophosphoric acid and dicalcium silicate compound that forms a complex matrix in combination with numerous trace minerals. Ammonia Hold counters the natural formation of ammonia when urine and feces are exposed to free oxygen in the air. This is accomplished chemically by binding the nitrogen molecules in the manure thus preventing the oxidation process that forms the ammonia gas.
Treatment with Ammonia Hold causes the bacterial microorganisms in the litter to multiply rapidly, synthesize proteins, and this immobilizes nitrogen from being available for ammonia production. The result is drier litter because the microorganisms utilize water in the process and also heat is produced increasing the evaporation rate. It has been determined in the laboratory and with field observations that Ammonia Hold stimulates microbial degradation of the litter to produce a larger microbial cell mass, decreased water content, and a resultant decrease in ammonia and CO2 volatilization. This conclusive evidence is highly significant both statistically and environmentally.
| Cargill Turkey Growout Field Tests Conducted by Troy A. Kerwin Springdale, Arkansas | |||
|
Flock Name, # |
Ammonia Hold House |
Control House |
Difference (+ or -) |
| Lackey #1 | 25.755 | 24.945 | +.81 lbs. |
| Johnson #1 | 22.02 | 21.73 | +.29 |
| Van Brunt #2 | 23.82 | 23.49 | +.33 |
| Kammerzell #2 | 23.81 | 22.65 | +1.16 |
| AVERAGE: | +.65 lbs | ||