Ammonia sensors for poultry houses provide continuous measurement of NH₃ levels, helping producers monitor air quality and react to increasing ammonia levels. Reliable ammonia monitoring is particularly important in poultry houses, where dust, humidity and changing temperatures place high demands on sensor performance.

What Is Ammonia in Poultry Houses?

Ammonia is a chemical compound between the elements nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H), and has the formula NH₃. The substance is found everywhere in nature and occurs naturally in manure and urine.

The smell of ammonia is known, among other things, from the pungent smell of manure or in the environment of a chicken farm.

Ammonia is formed in humans and animals by the breakdown of proteins (albumin) from the diet, or in connection with the ongoing remodeling of all tissues in the body. A part is also formed in the intestine from the breakdown of proteins and other nitrogenous compounds by bacteria.

What Causes Ammonia in Poultry Houses?

In poultry houses, ammonia is a byproduct of manure. When nitrogen compounds are decomposed the result is formation of ammonia (NH₃+) and ammonium (NH₄-). Ammonia is lighter than air and therefore it floats into the air causing respiratory problems and bad smell. High litter moisture, temperature and pH can increase ammonia release in poultry houses. Good litter management and ventilation therefore play an important role in keeping ammonia levels under control.

Ammonia (NH3) sensors

Ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas that is widely used in many industrial applications and found in agricultural production. It is a critical component in the manufacture of fertilizers, plastics, and explosives, among other things. However, ammonia can be hazardous to human and animal health and the environment when it is released into the atmosphere. As such, the need for accurate and reliable ammonia measurement sensors has become increasingly important in recent years.

Types of Ammonia Measurement Sensors

There are several types of ammonia measurement sensors available in the market, and each one operates on a different principle. Some of the most common ammonia measurement sensors include:

1. Electrochemical sensors
2. Metal-oxide sensors
3. Photoionization detectors
4. Infrared sensors
5. Catalytic sensors

Electrochemical Ammonia Sensors

Electrochemical sensors are among the most widely used ammonia measurement sensors. These sensors operate by measuring the current produced when ammonia reacts with a sensing electrode. The magnitude of the current is proportional to the concentration of ammonia in the air. The sensor’s sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the composition of the sensing electrode, and the measurement range can be customized to meet specific application requirements.

Metal-Oxide Sensors

Metal-oxide sensors operate by detecting changes in the electrical conductivity of a metal oxide film when it comes into contact with ammonia. The metal oxide film is typically made of tin oxide, and the sensor’s sensitivity can be adjusted by varying the thickness of the film or the operating temperature. Metal-oxide sensors are highly sensitive and can detect ammonia at concentrations as low as a few parts per billion.

Environmental stability is essential for maintaining health, welfare, and uniform growth in poultry production. When temperature, air quality, and airflow are not monitored continuously, deviations often develop gradually and remain unnoticed until they have already affected flock performance. These changes influence bird behavior and overall productivity.

Temperature Drift and Uneven Growth

Temperature variation is one of the earliest consequences of inadequate monitoring. Birds respond by clustering in warmer areas and avoiding cooler zones, which alters feed access and increases competition. Over time, these behavioral adjustments lead to measurable differences in body weight and feed conversion. Because temperature drift develops slowly, it is rarely detected through periodic checks alone.

Humidity Rise and Litter Stagnation

Humidity increases rapidly when ventilation is reduced, especially during nighttime or cold weather. Without monitoring, these fluctuations remain unnoticed until litter becomes wet or compacted. Elevated humidity accelerates ammonia release and reduces resting comfort. Birds avoid wet areas, concentrating stocking density in drier zones and reinforcing uneven growth patterns.

Air Quality Decline: CO₂ and Ammonia Accumulation

CO₂ and ammonia are invisible and cannot be reliably assessed through sensory cues. When ventilation weakens, CO₂ accumulates quickly, reducing bird activity and suppressing feed intake. Ammonia rises as litter moisture increases, irritating the respiratory tract and compromising immune defenses. Manual checks detect air quality problems too late, because CO₂ and ammonia can reach harmful levels long before they become noticeable to humans.

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Ammonia levels have a direct impact on animal welfare, growth, and feed efficiency in poultry production. Explore how accurate ammonia measurement can help you maintain optimal conditions and improve overall results.