Tackling cage-free layer housing air quality challenges

Giving laying hens access to a litter area for dustbathing, scratching and foraging helps minimize aggressive behavior, but it can result in dust and ammonia problems. Dust, which can serve as a carrier of microorganisms and endotoxins, is a significant health risk for both farm workers and the birds as fine particulate matter can enter into the respiratory system. Ammonia, likewise, can cause respiratory tract irritation or damage. Recent studies have shown that cage-free housing results in six to nine times higher dust in the house environment than cage systems with manure belts. Researchers in Europe and the U.S. have explored many potential approaches to controlling dust including ionization with electrical charges using metal wires on the ceiling. Other studies have focused on spraying litter with treatments including tap water, acidic water, soybean, canola or rapeseed oil and combinations of water and oil.