A clean and sanitary environment is critical to a horse’s health and well-being. However, this living environment is negatively impacted when ammonia or other noxious gases begin to accumulate in the horse’s stall. Many health problems including eye irritation, respiratory disease, foal pneumonia, and confinement cough are attributed to exposure to excess ammonia. Ammonia and other gases originate via bacterial decomposition of undigested nutrient compounds excreted in feces and urine. This conversion rate is largely controlled by the stalls ambient temperature and humidity. Many horses are fed diets with excess protein. The breakdown of excess dietary protein by the horse will lead to increased nitrogen excretion and subsequent ammonia accumulation in the enclosed stable. Along with negatively impacting equine health and well-being, the health and welfare of equine owners/employees is also adversely affected by over-exposure to noxious gases.
Some have relied on the use of lime as a means to controlling odor and ammonia in horse stalls. Because of its water absorbing capabilities, lime works to trap moisture and neutralize ammonia fumes. However, water absorption also dries out horse’s feet, leading to poor hoof integrity and quality (as shown in the attached picture). In addition, certain forms of lime, like hydrated lime, are very caustic and can cause lung and skin irritation (resulting in burns) when over-exposed. Finally, if lime is applied in excess, it can get slippery on rubber mats and solid floors, increasing the risk of injury.
“What’s All The Stink About” and “It’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be!” were written by guest columnist, Lindsey Morehead of DPI Global.