Toxic Gases in Poultry Housing: Multisystemic Health Effects and Strategies for Emission Control
Öz
In intensive poultry production systems, the accumulation of airborne noxious gases—particularly ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and carbon dioxide (CO₂)—within housing environments exerts multifaceted toxicological effects on animal health, welfare, and production performance. This review evaluates the impacts of these gases on the respiratory system, as well as on the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, based on current scientific literature. Ammonia has been shown to impair the mucociliary barrier, thereby increasing susceptibility to infectious agents, and to induce lymphoid organ atrophy alongside oxidative stress responses. Hydrogen sulphide, even at low concentrations, has been associated with conjunctivitis, pulmonary dysfunction, and marked neurotoxicity. Elevated exposure to carbon dioxide may result in hypoxaemia, behavioural stress manifestations, and various physiological disturbances. Furthermore, it is highlighted that existing exposure limits are primarily derived from human health standards and often fail to adequately address animal welfare thresholds. Technological and managerial interventions—such as improved housing design, litter management, biofiltration systems, IoT-based gas sensors, and dietary additives—are considered effective in substantially reducing gas emissions. In this context, it is recommended that species-specific exposure thresholds be redefined, multidisciplinary approaches adopted, and science-based legislative frameworks aligned with the principles of sustainable animal production be further developed.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Ammonia, Hydrogen sulphide, Carbon dioxide, Poultry housing, Toxic gases
Kaynakça
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