Continuous monitoring for livestock facilities

The DOL 53 was specifically designed to measure ammonia in livestock and industrial facilities. It allows producers to continually monitor the ammonia concentration and take corrective actions if ammonia levels are increasing.

What is ammonia and why monitor it?

Ammonia is a colorless, highly irritating gas with a powerful smell. In humid environments, such as in livestock facilities, ammonia vapors can settle in low-lying areas that have poor airflow. Because of their proximity to the ground, poultry are particularly affected.

• Concentrations as low as 25 ppm can reduce bird weights at 28 days of age by 2 to 7 percent, while 50 ppm has been shown to reduce bird weights from 16 to 19 percent.
• Exposure has been shown to reduce feed conversion by approximately 1 point at 25 ppm and 6 points at 50 ppm at 28 days of age.
• Concentrations between 25 and 50 ppm significantly reduce bird size uniformity and breast meat yield.
• Prolonged exposure to high levels (50 to 100 ppm) of ammonia can negatively affect production efficiency and flock health.