~ 30 ~ International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry 2018; 3(4): 30-33 ISSN: 2456-2912 VET 2018; 3(4): 30-33 © 2018 VET www.veterinarypaper.com Received: 19-05-2018 Accepted: 22-06-2018 IU Sheikh Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST- Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India SS Nissa Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST- Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Bushra Zaffer Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST- Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India KH Bulbul Division Veterinary Parasitology, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India AH Akand Division Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India HA Ahmed Division of Animal Nutrition, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Dilruba Hasin Division Veterinary Physiology, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Isfaqul Hussain Division Veterinary Microbiology, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India SA Hussain Division Veterinary Public Health, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Correspondence IU Sheikh Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST- Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Ammonia production in the poultry houses and its harmful effects IU Sheikh, SS Nissa, Bushra Zaffer, KH Bulbul, AH Akand, HA Ahmed, Dilruba Hasin, Isfaqul Hussain and SA Hussain Abstract The ammonia concentration in the poultry houses should not exceeds 25ppm. Above 25 ppm the performance of the birds affects adversely. High levels also reduces body weight gain, feed conversion, overall liveability, carcass condemnation rate and the immune system of the birds and susceptible to diseases. The presence of excessively high levels of ammonia in the air, for any time period, will lead to discomfort to the birds. Ammonia is a strong oxidative stressor that can cause irritation and inflammation. Birds exposed to high level of ammonia concentrations negatively affect the development of immune system. The rate of ammonia volatilization from litter is dependent on pH, moisture content, ventilation rate, air velocity, manure nitrogen concentration, and temperature. The pH of the litter is an important factor in controlling ammonia volatilization because it determines the ratio of volatile ammonia to ammonium, the ionic and non-volatile forms of ammonical nitrogen. The damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system caused by higher level of ammonia increases the susceptibility of birds for respiratory infection, especially E. coli infection. Human can generally smell ammonia at concentrations between 20 and 30 ppm. The ammonia gas in poultry sheds critically affects the health and welfare condition of the birds. Keywords: Ammonia, causes, poultry house, harmful effects Introduction Ammonia is a gas present in the atmosphere of every poultry house and critically affects the health and welfare condition of the birds which results from the chemical decomposition of uric acid in droppings by certain bacteria in the litter. Ammonia production is particularly high in houses where old litter is used for rearing successive flocks. The litter generated in poultry houses during poultry production consists of manure and the bedding material used for rearing of birds. The rate of ammonia volatilization from litter is dependent on pH, moisture content, ventilation rate, air velocity, manure nitrogen concentration, and temperature. The pH of the litter is an important factor in controlling ammonia volatilization because it determines the ratio of volatile ammonia to ammonium, the ionic and non-volatile forms of ammonical nitrogen. The condition of litter and ventilation are the main factors affecting ammonia concentration in poultry houses. Moisture content, pH and the temperature of the litter influence the degradation of uric acid by bacteria. Poor ventilation, loose droppings and faulty, over filled or low positioned drinkers, are common causes of wet litter in poultry houses which ultimately increases the ammonia concentration. Since ammonia is a harmful gas to poultry birds, other livestocks, and workers associated, it also pollutes the environment at large. Therefore, several strategies have been employed to minimize NH3 volatilization into the environment which includes NH3 gas adsorbers, enzyme inhibitors, dietary manipulation and other litter additives/amendments such as aluminium sulphate and sodium bisulphate [1] . Alum- amended litter (1 kg m −2 ) decreased atmosphere ammonia concentrations by 30% in broiler house and alum amended litter maintained a lower pH until 35 d of age [2] . Ammonia volatilization to the environment from poultry manure contributes to atmospheric nitrogen pollution, negatively affects poultry performance and decreases the fertilizer value of manure [3] . The ammonia concentration in the poultry houses should not exceeds 25ppm. Above 25 ppm the performance of the birds affects adversely. High levels also reduces body weight gain, feed