Circadian variation in ammonia levels in broiler chickens raised under different climate conditions

ABSTRACT

The current study aims to determine the rhythmicity pattern in ammonia level inside broiler chicken houses raised on a traditional deep litter system. A total of 182 Ross broiler chickens (91 in the summer and 91 in the winter). Rice straw was used under three conditions: new, reused, and reused with daily wetting. Three daily readings of NH₃ were performed at two heights during a 42-day cycle. The data were tabulated, normalized, and expressed in terms of ppm/°C/bird. Fisher’s statistical test was used to determine differences related to reading point, temperature, and moisture. The Hurst coefficient was determined in the occurrence of rhythmicity in the temporal variation and the COSINOR method was employed for the determination of patterns of rhythmic variation in NH₃ level. Fisher’s method was employed to determine the descriptive capacity of the equations, considering a p-value of <0.01 as indicative of a statistically significant difference. Rhythmic variation in NH₃ level was found during the 42-day raising cycle and increased slightly in the winter. However, the different conditions of litter did not influence on ammonia level. These findings can assist in adaptations to broiler chicken management, providing a safer environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Atmospheric pollutant
• circadian cycle
• rhythmicity
• chicken
• gallus gallus domesticus

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).