on April 11, 2018
Tackling cage-free layer housing air quality challenges
Giving laying hens access to a litter area for dustbathing, scratching and foraging helps minimize aggressive behavior, but it can result in dust and ammonia problems.
Aviary housing systems offer layers access to litter to express natural behaviors, such as scratching, foraging and dust bathing. However, air quality in cage-free systems may be compromised as dust (particulate matter) and ammonia increase as manure and litter accumulates on the floor.
Dust, which can serve as a carrier…