Impact of peat moss bedding on particulate matter and ammonia generation in broiler production

Lead Applicant: Bill Van Heyst

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2021/2022

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Recently, many Ontario broiler producers have begun to use peat moss over conventional bedding due to cost savings and resource shortages, but workers and veterinarians have expressed health concerns - for both the workers and birds - regarding the increased dust generated from this bedding. This means there may be a potential risk to human and animal health, but there is currently no research on the dust levels of poultry barns using peat moss. This study will fill this knowledge gap by investigating the air quality of various barns with different types of bedding to determine if peat moss may cause any adverse health affects.