Reducing Ammonia Smell in Poultry Houses: A Case Study of 3 Broiler Probiotic Formulas

Ammonia smell in poultry houses is not just a comfort issue—it is a direct indicator of gut health, feed efficiency, and farm environmental quality. A large-scale integrator in West Java proved that reducing ammonia smell in poultry houses can be achieved significantly without expensive chemicals, but through a scientific and measurable probiotic approach. This case study reveals how the application of Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula suppressed ammonia levels by up to 40% within three weeks, while also improving production performance.

Why Does Ammonia Smell Appear in Poultry Houses?

Ammonia (NH₃) is produced from the fermentation of uric acid in feces by urease-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. In broilers, accumulated feces in litter become an ideal medium for these pathogenic bacteria. Ammonia levels >25 ppm already disrupt the respiratory system of chickens, reduce feed intake, and trigger intestinal mucosal damage. Consequently, FCR worsens and mortality increases.

Main factors triggering high ammonia:

• High-protein feed without adequate digestive enzymes
• Alkaline gut pH (ideal condition for urease-positive bacteria)
• Wet litter due to watery feces
• High stocking density

Probiotics work by altering the gut microflora balance, suppressing urease-producing bacteria, and improving protein digestion so that less nitrogen is wasted in feces.

How Do Probiotics Reduce Ammonia? Scientific Mechanism

The Broiler Probiotic Formula contains three superior microbial strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans. Each has a synergistic role in suppressing ammonia production.

### Lactobacillus acidophilus: Gut pH Reducer

L. acidophilus ferments carbohydrates into lactic acid, lowering the pH of the gut lumen. An acidic environment (pH < 5.5) inhibits the urease activity of pathogenic bacteria. Lowering pH also increases digestive enzyme activity so that protein is better absorbed and less is excreted as uric acid.

### Bacillus subtilis: Digestive Enzymes and Biocontrol

B. subtilis produces protease, amylase, and cellulase that efficiently break down feed. With increased protein digestibility, the amount of nitrogen entering feces is reduced. Additionally, B. subtilis produces subtilisin and bacitracin that inhibit E. coli and Clostridium—the main urease-producing bacteria.

### Bacillus coagulans: Spore Stability for Pelleted Feed

B. coagulans forms heat-resistant spores (up to 90°C), so it remains active when mixed into pelleted feed. These spores germinate in the small intestine and help suppress pathogens. Studies show B. coagulans can reduce fecal ammonia levels by up to 30% in broilers.

Case Study: Poultry Integrator in West Java

An integrator with a population of 200,000 broilers per cycle faced complaints from nearby residents due to strong ammonia odor. Closed house with tunnel fan ventilation was still unable to suppress ammonia below 30 ppm. They applied the Broiler Probiotic Formula through drinking water at a dose of 1 ml/L daily during the starter phase (days 1-14) and 3 times per week during the grower-finisher phase (days 15-35).

Ammonia Measurement Results

Average ammonia reduction reached 42% during rearing. Maximum ammonia level was 22 ppm at the end of the cycle, well below the threshold of 25 ppm.

Impact on Production Performance

FCR improved by 8% from 1.65 to 1.52, equivalent to feed savings of 130 grams per bird. ADG increased by 7.8%, meaning chickens reached harvest weight 2 days earlier. Mortality dropped from 4.2% to 2.8%, reducing losses.

Success Factors

1. Consistency of application: Probiotics were given routinely, not interrupted during stress or vaccination.
2. Drinking water quality: Clean water with neutral pH (6.5-7.5) ensured probiotic viability.
3. Litter management: Litter was kept dry with a minimum thickness of 10 cm, reducing pathogenic bacterial growth.
4. Optimal ventilation: Tunnel fans were adjusted to maintain air velocity of 2-3 m/s, helping to remove residual ammonia.

Advantages of Broiler Probiotic Formula Compared to Other Products

Many commercial probiotics contain only one strain, e.g., Lactobacillus alone. Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula has three strains with complementary mechanisms. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans produce enzymes that directly digest feed, while Lactobacillus acidophilus lowers pH. This combination results in more stable ammonia reduction and significant FCR improvement.

Additionally, this product is antibiotic-free and safe for AGP-free programs. With zero antibiotic residues in meat, farmers can meet export standards and consumer demand for healthy food.

Proper Application for Maximum Results

To reduce ammonia smell in poultry houses with probiotics, follow these application guidelines:

1. Preparation: Clean drinking water tanks from biofilm. Use water temperature <30°C.
2. Starter dose (days 1-14): 1 ml of Broiler Probiotic Formula per liter of drinking water, given daily in the morning after feeding.
3. Grower-finisher dose (days 15-35): 1 ml/L drinking water, 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
4. Feed mixing (alternative): 2 ml/kg feed, mix evenly before pelleting.
5. Monitoring: Measure ammonia levels weekly using a gas detector. Also record FCR, ADG, and mortality.

Optimal results are usually seen after 7-10 days of application. If ammonia levels remain high, recheck litter management and ventilation.

Conclusion

This integrator case study proves that reducing ammonia smell in poultry houses effectively through proper probiotic application. Biosolution's Broiler Probiotic Formula, with three superior strains, suppressed ammonia by up to 42%, improved FCR by 8%, and reduced mortality by 33%. This approach not only improves chicken and farmer welfare but also reduces environmental impact. For farmers looking to transition to more sustainable farming systems, probiotics are a scientifically and economically proven solution.

For more information or consultation on probiotic application at your farm, contact the Biosolution technical team via WhatsApp. Also see the product Formula Probiotik Ayam Kampung & KUB for native chickens, or explore our other poultry farming solutions.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to see a reduction in ammonia odor after using probiotics? Ammonia reduction usually starts to be seen after 7-10 days of regular use. In the case study, a 33% reduction was recorded on day 7. For maximum results, application must be consistent daily during the starter phase and 3 times per week in the subsequent phase.

2. Is it safe to use probiotics together with vaccination? Yes, probiotics are safe to administer together with vaccination. In fact, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis can enhance immune response to vaccines. It is recommended to give probiotics 2 hours before or after vaccination via drinking water.

3. How should Broiler Probiotic Formula be stored to remain effective? Store in a cool, dry place (temperature 15-25°C), avoid direct sunlight. After opening, use within 30 days. Do not freeze as it can damage bacterial viability.

4. Can probiotics completely replace antibiotics? Probiotics cannot replace antibiotics for treating acute infections. However, as a preventive measure (AGP-free), probiotics are very effective in suppressing pathogens and reducing the need for antibiotics. A routine probiotic program can reduce the incidence of enteric diseases by up to 40%.

5. What is the additional cost for this probiotic program? The probiotic cost is approximately IDR 15,000 – 20,000 per bird per cycle (35 days). However, feed savings (FCR down 8%) and reduced mortality (33%) provide a net profit of around IDR 2,000 – 3,000 per bird. This investment is highly profitable, especially for large-scale operations.