Ascophyllum nodosum EXTRACT AS A TOOL TO REDUCE AMMONIA CONCENTRATIONS IN POULTRY PRODUCTION

Ammonia is the most widespread alkaline gas in the atmosphere. Ammonia (NH₃) is a colorless, water-soluble gas that is generated in poultry housing facilities as a byproduct of the microbial decomposition of organic nitrogen compounds in manure. Due to its solubility in water, NH₃ readily penetrates mucous membranes and eyes, and it can also bind to dust particles (Wathes, 1994). Since NH₃ carries no ionic charge, it is easily released into the atmosphere in gaseous form. Elevated concentrations of ammonia in poultry houses exert harmful effects, including reduced feed intake, impaired growth rates in poultry, decreased egg production, damage to the respiratory tract, increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, and overall disturbances in poultry welfare and human health (Ritz et. al., 2004). Ascophyllum nodosum (A. nodosum), an edible brown seaweed, contains high levels of total polysaccharides (up to 70%), including alginic acid, fucoidan, laminarin, and mannitol. A. nodosum also have the potential to serve as an excellent source of essential nutrients and valuable bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and pigments such as carotenoids.Studies have demonstrated that seaweeds can absorb catabolic gases, particularly ammonia produced during digestion and nitrogen conversion. However, research is lacking on the application of environmentally friendly A. nodosum extracts for reducing the production of volatile inorganic compounds such as ammonia.In our study, supplementation with brown seaweed ultrasound extract at a concentration of 0.2% in drinking water resulted in a significant reduction in ammonia volatilization from animal manure, particularly after 20 days of poultry rearing, while the experimental group also showed improved production performance. Therefore, we consider A. nodosum extract a promising natural agent for mitigating environmental pollution by ammonia emissions from poultry facilities.