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Interactive Effects of Ammonia and Light Intensity on Hematochemical Variables in Broiler Chickens¹

H. A. Olanrewaju^*,2, J. P. Thaxton, W. A. Dozier, III^*, J. Purswell^*, S. D. Collier^* and S. L. Branton^*

^* USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, PO Box 5367, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5367; and Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762-9665

² Corresponding author: Hammed.Olanrewaju{at}ars.usda.gov

This study examined the influence of early atmospheric ammonia exposure, light intensity throughout rearing, and their interaction on blood gases, electrolytes, and acid-base balance in broiler chickens under environmentally controlled conditions. The experiment consisted of a 3 x 3 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design, with trials being replicated over time. The 9 treatments consisted of 3 levels (0, 25, and 50 ppm) of ammonia concentrations for 14 d and levels (0.2, 2.0, and 20 lx) of light intensities from 8 to 36 d of age. Venous blood samples were collected on d 6, 11, 14, and 35. On d 6, partial pressure of CO₂ and Na⁺ increased significantly (P 0.05), whereas partial pressure of O₂, pH, and K⁺ decreased with increasing ammonia concentration. As light intensity increased, pO₂ and K⁺ were significantly (P 0.05) reduced. Ammonia x light intensity interactions were observed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, K⁺, and BW. The interaction of ammonia and light intensity for 7 d further exacerbated physiological variables. The main effect of ammonia was more pronounced than that of light intensity. These conditions worsened as the duration of ammonia concentration exposure and light intensity increased from d 7 to 14 of exposure. However, all affected variables returned to near normal at later time points in the exposed chickens so that the apparent effects were lost. Plasma corticosterone and glucose concentrations were not significantly altered by exposure to differing levels of ammonia or light intensity, suggesting an absence of stress related to ammonia, light intensity, or their interaction. It was concluded that exposure of broiler chickens to aerial ammonia concentrations of 0 to 50 ppm from d 1 to 14 posthatch in the presence of light intensities ranging from 0.2 to 20 lx had no direct effect on some physiological blood variables and did not induce stress in broilers.

Key Words: ammonia • light intensity • acid-base balance • broiler • well-being

¹ Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.