LITMUS Ammonia Indicator
General Information
LITMUS Ammonia Indicator's (LAI) are available in two distinct PPM levels and are the first ammonia measurement devices offered by LITMUS. LAI offers easy to use methods of measuring ammonia levels above and below specified targets of 25 PPM or 50 PPM. Ammonia levels are evaluated at 4 hour or 24 time frames and identify whether the levels are above or below the specified targets of 25 PPM or 50 PPM levels.
How the LAI Works
- Each LAI has a colorimetric indicator which changes color from yellow to blue at specific rates to indicate ammonia levels at the 25 or 50 ppm targets.
- LAIs are placed in various locations in a Poultry House for 24 hours (daily).
- In 4 hours, the LAI identifies whether average ammonia levels are above, on or below the target of 25 or 50 ppm. This reading offers the grower an opportunity to make immediate house adjustments. (NOTE: LAIs should be replaced after any adjustments.)
- For each 24 hour period the LAI offers a time weighted average of the house's ammonia levels. This reading offers a method to judge the amount of "adjustments" needed to maintain acceptable levels of ammonia.
The LAI Solution - 25 ppm and 50 ppm
Directions
LITMUS Ammonia Indicator
(Image of 25 ppm LAI)
Start-Up Procedures
- Record on Indicator: Date, Time, Grower, House #
- Hang Ammonia Indicators at appropriate locations in each house
4 Hour Reading
- Record on Indicator: Length of color change at 4 hours. If the indicator shows the ammonia levels are below the 4 hour indicator no operational adjustments are required. If the Indicator levels are above the 4 hour mark, the 25 or 50 ppm target will be exceeded and additional operational adjustments should be taken immediately.
REPLACE THE LAI IF 4 HOUR ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE!
24 Hour Reading
- Record on Indicator: Length of change at 24 hours. If the indicator shows the ammonia levels are below the 24 hour indicator, no operational adjustments are required. If the Indicator levels are above the 24 hour mark, the 25 or 50 ppm target will be exceeded and additional operational adjustments should be taken immediately.
Replace the LAI Daily
Maintain a healthy environment for you and your birds.
Product Information
Ammonia Concentration Levels
- It is a well established fact that in order to maximize broiler performance it is crucial that ammonia levels are kept at low levels during the grow-out.
- Numerous studies have shown that ammonia concentrations over 25 ppm reduce weight gains, increase feed conversions, decrease bird uniformity and yield as well as increase susceptibility to disease.
- One problem is that many broiler producers have difficulty in accurately sensing by smell the difference between 25 and 50 ppm resulting in harmful levels of ammonia in their house.
The effects of increased ammonia levels on bird body weight at 7 weeks according to Dr. Barry Lott:
Current methods of evaluating the levels of ammonia:
| Indicator Name | Cost | Accuracy | Usability | |
| Hydrion Text Paper | Inexpensive | Imprecise | Interpretation Required | |
| Gas Detection Tubes | Expensive | Variable | Fairly Easy | |
| Pump $165-$300 | ||||
| 10 Tubes $25-$35 | ||||
| Passive Dosimeter Tubes | Expensive | Variable | Interpretation Required | |
| 10 Tubes $60.00 | ||||
| $6.00 Each | ||||
| Electronic ammonia Meter | Expensive | Variable | Frequent Recalibrations | |
| $1,000-$1,500 | ||||
| Re-calibration required | ||||
Revenue Increases by Controlling Ammonia:
For more information regarding revenue increases, click here.
Usage and Information
Benefits
For the Grower:
- Lower Ammonia Levels = Birds less susceptible to disease
- Lower Ammonia Levels = Better Feed Conversion
- Lower Ammonia Levels = A healthier grower
- Lower Ammonia Levels = Less air pollution
- Lower Ammonia Levels = Heavier Birds = MORE REVENUE!
For the Integrator:
"To get ammonia levels down below 25 ppm on built-up litter typically requires the use of some type of litter treatment." (UGA Poultry Science Center)
- The LAI identifies ammonia levels above and below a target of 25 or 50 ppm.
- The LAI can be used safely by untrained grower personnel
- The LAI design allows it to be "customized" to include YOUR brand name and litter treatment ordering information
- The LAI is inexpensive enough to give to your customers as promotional items
- Your LAI PLUS your ammonia control methods = Your Satisfied Customer
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do you have both a 25 ppm and a 50 ppm indicator?
The 25 ppm indicator is designed for preparing poultry houses for biddy/chick placement, early grow out, and for premier growers who want to maintain a maximum healthy environment for birds throughout the grow out period. The 50 ppm indicator is designed for later stages of the grow out period when the birds are mature and less susceptible to ammonia damage.
2. Is 25 ppm is too low for most growers to achieve?
No. LAI was calibrated to allow growers to achieve the National Chicken Council recommendations of 25 ppm average per day. Numerous studies have shown that ammonia concentrations over 20 ppm reduce weight gains, increase feed conversions, decrease bird uniformity and yield as well as increase susceptibility to disease. Birds raised in 25 ppm vs 50 ppm or higher can weigh up to 0.25 lbs more. These facts equal more income.
3. Where do I hang LAI?
Spaced evenly throughout the house when multiple LAIs are used. Mid house for 1 LAI. Hang LAI just above bird head height. A large clip and string attached to an overhead structure allows for easy placements and height adjustments.
4. How do I mark LAI?
On the indicator where the color change becomes solid blue, using a fine tip permanent marker.
5. Is LAI safe for the environment?
Yes. LAI contains no components harmful to the environment.
6. What if LAI falls to the floor?
LAI will still function, but you may get higher ammonia levels at litter height vs bird head height.
7. What if my birds peck LAI?
There are no chemicals in LAI that will harm your birds.
8. What if LAI falls into the drinking water?
LAI will float and not contaminate drinking water.
9. How do I know if LAI is functioning properly?
LAIs have been thoroughly tested in the laboratory and the field. Other methods to check ammonia levels can be used for comparison to LAIs readings but these alternative methods are expensive, proven to be unreliable, provide false readings, are difficult to read and require frequent recalibrations. We will be pleased to provide recommended testing protocols for laboratory confirmation.
10. What's your warranty?
Any LAI that is determined to be defective will be replaced by LITMUS FQI, LLC.
11. Can LAI be used to tell a Service Tech or Farm Manager the average ammonia level before bitty placement?
Yes, by having the grower place an LAI 4 or 24 hours before the Service Tech arrives to check ammonia levels before bitty placement. The Service Tech will have a 4 or 24 hour average (vs. a misleading point in time check) in order to judge ammonia levels.
12. Won't some growers cheat and remove the LAI before 4 or 24 hours?
Yes, some will, but good growers will not. They will understand the advantages of raising their birds in lower ammonia levels.