The preferences of laying hens for different concentrations of atmospheric ammonia.

摘要: Ammonia gas is one of the most abundant aerial pollutants modern poultry buildings. The current chronic exposure limit for ammonia 25 ppm set human safety rather than animal welfare. This study assessed behavioural preferences laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) different concentrations found in commercial houses. Six groups, each six hens, were given choice three ( approximately 0, and 45 ppm) a preference chamber over period 6 days their location behaviour recorded every 15 min. Hens foraged (p=0.018), preened (p=0.009) rested (p=0.029) significantly more fresh air ammonia-polluted environments. There was significant difference between responses 0 (p 0.05). suggests that may be aversive to with threshold this aversion ppm. Future studies should explore graded order suggest new on basis