As the breeding industry moves toward large-scale, intelligent and modernized operation, the breeding environment has become a prominent concern. Waste generated at breeding farms not only adversely affects livestock and poultry, but also poses a serious threat to the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is essential for livestock and poultry farms to effectively monitor harmful gas components in the environment.

Harmful gases produced in breeding facilities, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, impair the health of livestock and poultry and exert significant impacts on human living environments. Ammonia is the most problematic among them. Hence, greater attention should be paid to the hazards and pollution caused by ammonia in livestock and poultry production. Systematic and standardized ammonia detection technologies for barns need to be established to monitor ammonia emissions and understand ammonia pollution levels, providing vital technical support for energy conservation, emission reduction and efficient production.

Large-scale breeding has resulted in higher stocking densities, leading to increased ammonia emissions per unit area. If ammonia can be smelled without stinging eyes or irritating the nose, the concentration is roughly 15~20 ppm. At 30~40 ppm, the gas causes stinging sensations and tearing. When concentrations exceed 70 ppm, breathing becomes difficult and eyes cannot be kept open. After entering the bloodstream, ammonia reduces blood oxygen solubility and weakens the immunity of livestock and poultry. Long-term exposure to ammonia at 10～15 mg/kg will significantly lower animals’ stress resistance.