Case Study – BioComplex PLUS Shown to Dramatically Reduce Ammonia in Pullet Rearing Sheds

Animal Health

Ekogea’s BioComplex PLUS feed ingredient has been shown to significantly reduce the ammonia produced by birds on a pullet rearing farm in Shropshire, UK.

After the conclusion of a recent 16-week trial, birds fed with a diet which included Ekogea’s natural, ‘premix’ feed ingredient produced around 50% less ammonia compared to the control sheds.

The Trial

BioComplex PLUS was added to the pullet feed rations in two of 4 sheds, each contained 16,000 birds. The two other sheds were fed standard feed rations and acted as the control populations.

Ammonia monitoring equipment was used to track the ammonia levels in different areas of each shed at regular intervals throughout the day. The levels were collated, and a daily average for each shed was calculated.

The Results

The graph below shows the average daily ammonia levels (measured in parts per million) in each of the four sheds across each day of the trial.

The two sheds with BioComplex PLUS included in the diet are denoted by TH1 (Test House 1) and TH2 (Test House 2). The two control sheds are denoted by CH1 (Control House 1) and CH2 (Control House 2).

As can be seen from the graph, the levels of ammonia (NH₃) in both Test House 1 and Test House 2 were significantly lower than both the Control Houses. In some cases, the ammonia was less than half in the Test Houses.

Summary

BioComplex PLUS has been shown to significantly lower the levels of ammonia across each day of the trial, with many incidences of over 50% less ammonia than the two control houses.

Reducing ammonia (NH₃) is important for a number of reasons. High levels of ammonia are understood to cause;

Damage to the skin and feet of Poultry (podo-dermatitis);
Damage to the respiratory tracts of the birds;
Damage to the birds’ intestines subsequently reducing nutrient absorption and immune defences

Toxic ammonia emissions also detract from farm sustainability goals and environmental audits:

Stockmen report reductions in smell and better work conditions in Ekogea’s sheds, also benefitting neighbours near the farm;
Reduces the need for Environment Agency intervention;
Reduces the need for tighter planning permit restrictions/ more chance of expansion ‘green light’

Following such impressive results, the farm operator is extending the trial to further crops, as well as monitoring the performance of the birds once placed with their clients.

For Further Information

For more information about the benefits of using Ekogea’s BioComplex PLUS as a feed ingredient on your farm, please contact Mike Clarke on mike.clarke@ekogea.co.uk or visit our website on https://www.ekogea.co.uk/biocomplex-plus-for-poultry/

About Ekogea

Ekogea is an Agri-tech business with proprietary technology in livestock, biogas and waste treatment. Ekogea sells a diverse range of award winning ‘organic’ additives and systems to enhance the ‘circular farm economy’.

Case Study – BioComplex PLUS Shown to Dramatically Reduce Ammonia in Pullet Rearing Sheds

The Trial

The Results

Summary

For Further Information

About Ekogea

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