LITMUS Ammonia Monitor
General Information
NEW LAM INTRODUCTION PROVIDES ENHANCED INFORMATION TO ENABLE AMMONIA CONTROL! THE NEW LAM is unlike any other measurement tool to evaluate ammonia levels. THE NEW LAM provides ammonia PPM information in a time flexible format with no special training or equipment. Now you are able to quickly and easily evaluate time weighted average ammonia levels from 1-24 hours with ammonia readings ranging from 1-100 PPM levels. THE NEW LAM is reliable, easy to use, low cost and specifically designed for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO).
How the LITMUS Ammonia Monitor Works
- Each LAM has a colorimetric indicator which changes color from yellow to blue at specific rates to indicate average ammonia levels from 1 - 100 ppm anytime between 1 and 24 hours.
- LAMs are placed in various locations in a Poultry House for 1- up to 24 hours (daily).
- 1-4 hour readings identifies "less than or more than" PPM target. Examples: (1) 1 hour reading of 1-3 MM movement indicates the ammonia level is less than the 10 PPM target. (2) 1 hour reading with a 5 MM movement indicates the ammonia level is more than 10 PPM target.
- 4 hour and longer readings identify reliable average PPM levels. Examples: (1) 5 hour reading, with a 5 MM movement, indicates an reliable average ammonia level of 10 PPM. (2) 5 hour reading with a 7 MM movement, indicates a reliable average ammonia level of 20 PPM.
- For each time period the LAM 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 LITMUS Ammonia Monitor Solution
DIRECTIONS
- RECORD on Monitor: Date, Time Placed, House #, etc.
- HANG Monitor at appropriate locations in each house.
- MARK Color Change Length on the Monitor immediately before removal from the house.
- RECORD Time Removed and Total Hours Used.
- 1-4 hour readings identifies "less than or more than" PPM target. Examples: (1) 1 hour reading of 1-3 MM movement indicates the ammonia level is less than the 10 PPM target. (2) 1 hour reading with a 5 MM movement indicates the ammonia level is more than 10 PPM target.
- 4 hour and longer readings identify reliable average PPM levels. Examples: (1) 5 hour reading, with a 5 MM movement, indicates an reliable average ammonia level of 10 PPM. (2) 5 hour reading with a 7 MM movement, indicates a reliable average ammonia level of 20 PPM.
Replace the LITMUS Ammonia Monitor Daily
Maintain a healthy environment for you and your animals.
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 to a minimum during the grow-out".
"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".
"The problem is that many broiler producers have difficulty in smelling the difference between 20 and 40 PPM so that they might have harmful levels of ammonia in their house and even be aware of it".
The effects of increased ammonia levels on bird body weight at 7 weeks:
Current methods of evaluating the levels of ammonia:
| Sensor 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 = Animals 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 Chickens and Swine = 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 Ammonia Monitor identifies ammonia levels from 1 - 100 ppm.
- The Ammonia Monitor can be used safely by untrained grower personnel.
- The Ammonia Monitor design allows it to be "customized" to include YOUR brand name and litter treatment ordering information.
- The Ammonia Monitor is inexpensive enough to give (or sell) to your customers.
- Your LITMUS Ammonia Monitor PLUS your ammonia control methods = Your Satisfied Customer
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an LAM (LITMUS FQI Ammonia Monitor)?
LAM is an inexpensive, easy to use tool that offers growers a way to maintain preferred DAILY AVERAGE AMMONIA LEVELS in their poultry houses. LAM offers average ammonia levels from 1 - 24 hours and will offer average ammonia level readings from 1 - 100 ppm.
2. Why should I control my average ammonia 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."
- More income for the grower.
- Healthier atmosphere in which to work
- Fewer odors/overall farm emissions
3. What is the preferred average ammonia levels for raising larger, healthier animals?
25 ppm and below. Europe, Canada, California and US Certified Growers prefer 10 ppm and below.
4. Is 25 ppm is too low for most growers to achieve?
No. The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, United Egg Producers, National Pork Board, OSHA and academia 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 .25 lbs more. These facts equal more income.
5. Where and how do I hang LAM?
Spaced evenly throughout the house when multiple LAM are used. Mid house for 1 LAM. Hang LAM just above bird head height. A LARGE CLIP AND STRING ATTACHED TO AN OVERHEAD STRUCTURE ALLOWS FOR EASY PLACEMENTS AND HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
6. How do I mark LAM?
Mark where color change is blue
On the sensor where the color change becomes solid blue, using a fine tip permanent marker.
7. Is LAM safe for the environment?
Yes. LAM contains no chemistry that will harm the environment.
8. What if LAM falls to the floor?
LAM will still function, but you may get higher ammonia levels at litter height vs bird head height.
9. What if my birds peck LAM?
There are no chemicals in LAM that will harm your birds
10. What if LAM falls into the drinking water?
LAM will float and not contaminate drinking water
11. How do I know if LAM if functioning properly?
LAM can be checked by expensive ammonia measuring devices that offer a Time Weighted Feature. These more expensive devices have been proven to be unreliable, difficult to read and require frequent recalibrations.
12. What's your warranty?
Any LAM that does not function will be replaced by LITMUS FQI.
13. Can LAM be used to tell a SERVICE TECH or FARM MANAGER the average ammonia level before bitty placement?
Yes, by having the grower place an LAM at least 1 hour before the Service Tech arrives to check ammonia levels before bitty placement. The Service Tech will have Time Weighted Average (vs. a misleading point in time check) in order to judge ammonia levels.
14. Can I request "Private Labeling" on the sensors?
Yes, with orders of 10,000 or more sensors.
15. Will LAM function properly if it is cut in ½. (I can cut the cost in ½)
No, LAM length and the "2 open ends" are part of the LAM calibrations.