Akaya / Akaya Environmental / Akaya Green:

High ammonia levels, poor air quality, and high mortality rates in a poultry house

An experimental study was done using an archaea-based formula of beneficial microbes in a Maryland chicken house prior to release of the new chicks. The product was spread in a dry powder form in the litter in one section of the house. During grow-out, the farmer noticed significantly less ammonia in the air in that section, and the chickens also tended to congregate in the area that had been seeded with the microbes.

After about 4 weeks, litter samples were taken both from the area where the archaea consortium was used, as well as from an adjacent untreated chicken house with chickens of the same age, and litter of the same type of shavings.

Parameter	Results (mg/Kg) Without Microbes	Results (mg/Kg) With Microbes
Nitrogen, Ammonia	6,600	3,900
Nitrogen, Nitrate	1,000	53
Nitrogen, Nitrite	310	20
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl	6,500	4,400
Phosphorus, Total	3,000	2,100
Phosphate, Total	9,200	6,400
TCLP Phosphorus, Total	360	140
(RCRA Hazardous Waste Characterization) (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) (TCLP)

The lab tests showed significant differences in both the nitrogen and the leaching characteristics of the phosphorus. The reduction in ammonia also resulted in improved poultry health, with mortality rates decreased by about 50% and grow-out times reduced as well, both resulting in increased total production.

Clearly there is a net monetary gain to be had from the faster grow out and improved vitality, while at the same time benefiting animal welfare.

- A lifelong sailor and water lover, Kevin Mirise lives and works on the coast in Cohasset, near Boston, MA. He’s a Director at a bioremediation and biorestoration company that uses beneficial microbes to naturally eliminate contaminants from water and soil.

#agriculture #farm #poultry #livestock #animalwelfare #animalwellbeing
#animalwellness