Evaluation of Economic Gains to Broiler Producers by Modulating Ventilation and Using Alum for Ammonia Control
Abstract
Livestock is the largest source category of ammonia in the United States. Growing broilers on reused litter exposes birds to high concentrations of ammonia from a very young age. The problem is compounded in winter with growers trying to conserve fuel usage by reducing ventilation rates. Exposure to ammonia above levels of 25 ppm leads to reduced weight gain and feed conversion of broilers. Researchers have claimed that applying alum sulfate reduces ammonia volatilization, improves broiler performance, improves fertilizer value of litter and lowers soluble phosphorus runoff. For this study a ventilation model along with an ammonia generation model was developed. The model considered daily ventilation and heating requirements by age of bird, ammonia level, and by geographic location in Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The model compared the benefits of increased ventilation against the cost of ventilation and alum use. Alum use was found to be beneficial only in winter months with average net savings brought about by reduced electricity and fuel usage to 484.00. Using alum for ammonia control during hot and mild weather is not profitable when compared with climate control costs.
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- OSU Theses [15752]