An independent trial has demonstrated that poultry producers can achieve a substantial 42% reduction in ammonia emissions solely through using targeted microbial interventions.

The year-long study, conducted by Charman Ag in collaboration with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, evaluated a dual-action microbial protocol on a commercial broiler site.

Robust data under real-world conditions

The trial spanned 12 months to account for seasonal variations, ventilation demands, and crop performance, monitoring two conventionally managed sheds in East Riding, Yorkshire, each housing approximately 17,500 Red Tractor stocked broilers.

Using Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), ammonia concentrations were measured continuously in real time. The methodology followed VERA guidelines, ensuring the data met the gold standard for environmental verification.,

“By capturing continuous emissions and ventilation data over a full year, we were able to account for seasonal variation and management changes,” explains Dom Charman of Charman Ag. “This ensures any differences observed between the control and treatment sheds can be robustly attributed to the microbial interventions rather than external factors.”

The microbial strategy

The trial utilised a two-pronged approach to manage the microbial environment of the birds and the building:

1. Lalfilm PRO: A positive biofilm-forming bacterial complex applied via fogging to internal surfaces (walls, floors, and equipment) after cleaning and disinfection but before chick placement.
2. Bactocell Drink: A probiotic supplement (Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622) administered on crumb feed at placement and via drinking water during high-stress periods: placement, vaccination, feed change and thinning.

Significant findings

The results showed a stark contrast between the two environments:

• Control Shed: Recorded an annual emission factor of 0.023kg NH₃/ap/year, aligning with current industry benchmarks.
• Lalfilm PRO and Bactocell Drink Shed: Recorded an annual emission factor of just 0.013kg NH₃/ap/year.
• Net Impact: A 42% reduction in ammonia emissions.

Beyond ammonia emissions leaving the poultry housing, the trial also resulted in significantly lower in-house ammonia concentrations, which is a critical factor for both bird health and staff exposure.

A penny-per-bird solution

For producers facing increasing pressure to mitigate their environmental footprint, the trial shows that biological solutions can be effective.

Hannah Elliott, Monogastric Technical Manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, emphasises the accessibility of this approach:

“Achieving a 42% reduction in ammonia emissions without capital investment is a significant result for the industry. This protocol can be applied to any poultry enterprise with a drinking water dosing system for approximately a penny per bird.”