In practice, there are various ways to influence the ammonia and odor emissions of broiler chickens. These include reducing protein intake or using alternative protein sources, as well as adding additives during feed production or application.
Before implementing alternative protein sources, additives, or protein-reduced feeds on a widespread basis, the poultry industry needs reliable data on the effects of the components used. This includes information on expected growth performance (daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion), the potential release of harmful gases (ammonia and carbon dioxide), and the extent of odor emissions. It is unacceptable to market potentially emission-reducing feeds that, while contributing to the reduction of ammonia and odor from poultry farming, simultaneously reduce expected growth performance and undermine economic success.
At the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, two identical barns (each for 420 fattening animals) are available for direct comparisons of experimental and control feeds. In each pen, air rates, temperature, humidity, and levels of harmful gases in the animal area and exhaust system are continuously monitored using photoacoustic spectroscopy. Air samples for olfactometry (odor measurement) are also taken every 7 days. Continuous automatic weighing, recording of feed quantities used, water consumption, and losses during a fattening cycle complete the data collection.
Currently, in Raumberg-Gumpenstein, a four-phase experimental feed with a reduced crude protein content is being compared to a conventional four-phase fattening feed as part of a company collaboration. In subsequent studies at the end of 2020, the effects of a plant-based feed additive will be examined more closely using experimental techniques.
