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Emissions reductions in broiler chicken farming

As of March 2026

  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Amon, ATB Potsdam
  • Lars Broer, LUFA North-West
  • Dr. sc. agr. Gürbüz Daş, FBN Dummerstorf
  • Dr. Frauke Deerberg, University of Kassel
  • Dr. Stephanie Dorandt, ZDG
  • Susanne Gäckler, DLG e.V.
  • Michael Herdt, Michael Herdt Engineering Office
  • Prof. Dr. Jürgen Heß, University of Kassel
  • Katja Krebelder, LfL
  • Dr. Jochen Krieg, North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture
  • Theresa Liegsalz, Technical University of Munich
  • Stefan Linke, Thünen Institute
  • Dr. Pia Münster, University of Vechta
  • Dieter Oltmann, NGW-Niedersächsische Geflügelwirtschaft Landesverband e.V. 
  • Prof. Dr. Reinhard Puntigam, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
  • Dr. Stephanie Schäfers, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover
  • Dr. Jochen Schulz, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover
  • Prof. Christian Visscher, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover
  • Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Windisch, Technical University of Munich

  • Hannah Kanwischer, Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture
  • Constanze Lüntzel, Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture

Introduction

A current draft bill (as of 09/2025) from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) proposes a general extension of the deadline for measures in G and V facilities to 31 December 2029. This text (as of 03/2026) uses the deadlines that were previously valid.
The immission guidelines are currently being revised. The information mentioned in the text refers to the currently applicable requirements.

Livestock farming in Germany is undergoing constant and profound change. Consumers, and consequently also food retailers, are increasingly demanding higher standards in the area of animal welfare. This places greater demands on domestic agriculture and often necessitates conversions or new buildings in order to meet the associated requirements, e.g. for increased space per animal and, where applicable, outdoor climate stimulation.
In addition to the increasingly important aspects of animal welfare, there is a parallel focus on ecological sustainability along the value chain of animal products. Germany aims to become climate neutral by 2045 and to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, including in the agricultural sector. As a first interim target, ammonia emissions in Germany are to be reduced by 29% by 2030 compared to the reference year 2005. Ammonia is not one of the greenhouse gases regulated by the Climate Protection Act, but it has an indirect impact on the climate and can influence animal health and the climate in livestock housing. It also contributes to odour pollution, among other things. In the atmosphere, ammonia (NH3) can be converted into nitrous oxide (N2O), which is approximately 300 times more climate-impacting than carbon dioxide equivalents. According to the literature, 70% of agricultural ammonia emissions come from animal husbandry. In 2021, poultry farming contributed around 8% to ammonia emissions from livestock farming. Mineral fertilisers and fermentation residues accounted for a further 25%⁴. However,
emission-free livestock farming is not possible, as many climate-impacting gases are produced by the decomposition of excrement, so efforts must be made to reduce emissions to a minimum.

When constructing or significantly modifying livestock housing facilities of any size, emission-related requirements must be met. This is primarily regulated by the "Technical Instructions on Clean Air" (TA Luft, 20215). 

The TA Luft also contains specifications for existing, larger old facilities to bring them up to date in terms of emissions, known as old facility refurbishment. Existing poultry facilities that require approval (according to the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG31)), like other animal husbandry facilities, must demonstrably reduce their emissions in accordance with the requirements of TA Luft. Emissions of ammonia, dust and odours are particularly relevant for poultry farming in closed and forced-ventilation systems.

This text is intended to provide an overview of the already recognised reduction measures for the various plant sizes and also to give an outlook on possible future options.

Legal framework and affected installations

The TA Luft regulates the basic requirements for reducing emissions. This applies to livestock facilities requiring approval that exceed a certain number of animal places in accordance with Annex 1 of the 4th BImSchV6 (see Fig. 1). The transition period for retrofitting exhaust air purification systems in existing facilities requiring approval (so-called "G facilities") ends on 1 December 2026. Measures in livestock housing in accordance with Annex 11 of the TA Luft must be implemented in livestock housing of V-facilities by 1 January 2029 if the facility is to continue operating (see Fig. 1).

G-systems

The application of BAT ("Best Available Techniques") is based on European environmental standards, which, since the 2024 revision, apply not only to large animal husbandry facilities within the meaning of the Federal Immission Control Act (G facilities), but also to smaller facilities (V facilities), depending on the type of animal. The aim is to reduce environmental pollution from emissions such as ammonia, odours or nutrient inputs. BAT are based on the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and define technical and organisational measures that are considered particularly effective and economically viable. These include, for example, technical installations or adapted feeding to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. BAT for livestock facilities are currently being revised.

Newly constructed, forced-ventilation facilities with 40,000 or more places for broiler chickens ("G facilities") must currently be built and operated with recognised or certified exhaust air purification systems (ARA) or equivalent quality-assured reduction techniques and procedures for emission reduction. Dust and ammonia emissions must be reduced by at least 70% in accordance with TA Luft (emission reduction ≥ 70% (NH3/N/PM) (see Annex 11 of TA Luft, Table 29). The operator must ensure that the exhaust air purification system is serviced regularly, at least once a year, in a professional manner and provide evidence of this to the competent authority (see TA Luft, 5.4.7.1).
When installing an ARA, it should be borne in mind that it is very energy-intensive and that its operation produces waste water that must be stored separately in chemical scrubbers12,13,14. Techniques for treating emissions from livestock buildings can be found in the BAT, among other places, under point 4.1129. In addition, particularly in the case of broiler chickens, the type of husbandry poses a challenge for the systems, as they are designed for continuous operation. However, this cannot be guaranteed due to the frequent service periods.
The KTBL has published a web application (InKalkTier32) in which various husbandry methods are evaluated in terms of animal welfare, emission potential and investment costs. In some cases, individual adjustments are possible to help estimate the emission potential of your own system. 

Existing G facilities are currently subject to a retrofitting obligation until 1 December 2026, provided they are to continue operating beyond this date. The authorities are obliged to hold a hearing with the operator of the facility. Participation in this hearing is not mandatory, but the operator can explain why retrofitting would be economically or technically disproportionate (see Fig. 1). While cost-benefit analyses for the construction and operation of ARA already exist for pig farming, this remains open for poultry farming.
Furthermore, the KTBL guideline11 suggests that only stables in G-type farms should be considered for an ARA if they exceed the requirements of building law, i.e. for broilers with 30,000 or more stalls (comparable to the number of animals in a V-type facility). If it is technically and/or economically disproportionate for the farm, no exhaust air purification system should generally have to be retrofitted. If this were to be officially recognised by the authorities, the same requirements as for small facilities ("V facilities") would apply, with an implementation deadline currently set for 1 December 2026 (i.e. ammonia reduction of at least 40%)11. Measures to reduce emissions in addition to the ARA can be found in Table 1. The KTBL's "Guidelines for the implementation of the requirements of TA Luft for the renovation of old plants No. 5.4.7.1 letter h) Exhaust air purification" provide support for interpreting the question of proportionality. According to these guidelines, proportionality is determined both by structural conditions and by the cost-benefit ratio. However, it is not the current economic situation of the business that is decisive here, but whether the costs of a retrofitted system of the required size are economically reasonable. According to the KTBL, the retrofitting of an ARA is considered proportionate if the additional costs amount to a maximum of 20% of the investment costs of the exhaust air purification system (cf. OVG Saxony-Anhalt, decision of 16 December 2010 2 L 246/09). The operating costs of exhaust air purification are not taken into account. According to OVG Lüneburg (judgment of 18 May 2020 – 12 LB 113/19), only the additional costs for the retrofitting, but not the costs for operating the exhaust air purification system, are to be taken into account when assessing the proportionality of a retrofit. In its paper "Guidelines for the implementation of the requirements of TA Luft for the renovation of old plants – No. 5.4.7.1 letter h) Exhaust air purification 25", which can serve as a guide for questions regarding the assessment of proportionality.
 

V-systems

V-systems (30,000 – 39,999 places for broiler chickens) must currently reduce their ammonia emissions by at least 40% compared to the values in Annex 11, Table 29, from 1 January 2029. The installation of an exhaust air purification system (ARA) to achieve the required 40% reduction instead of other technologies is voluntary. Alternative reduction measures to achieve a 40% reduction compared to Annex 11, Table 29 of the TA Luft can be found in Table 1.
Farms keeping broiler chickens with fewer than 30,000 animal places, i.e. below the threshold for V-installations, are currently not required to take any reduction measures under the TA Luft.

1) Retrofitting obligation only for forced-ventilation, thermally insulated barn buildings in facilities with ≥ 40,000 broiler places and mixed stocks.

2) General proportionality threshold for individual barn size based on an analogy with fattening pigs (Hahne et al. 2016) and taking into account the development of the construction cost price index since 2015. Adjacent barns may be considered as a single unit if they are ≤ 12 m apart, together exceed the above-mentioned barn capacities and can be retrofitted in terms of fire safety and hygiene. If "no", the facility is subject to the requirements of Annex 11 TA Luft. 

3) In this case, it may also be possible to install an exhaust air purification system with partial flow treatment (60% of the total volume flow with at least 70% emission reduction for ammonia) in accordance with Section 5.4.7.1(i) of the TA Luft. 

4) The requirements of a planned LAI enforcement aid regarding quality-assured husbandry practices that promote animal welfare must be observed; conversion is only possible if appropriate husbandry practices are defined and the protection requirements according to No. 4 TA Luft are met. 

5) Only for quality-assured husbandry practices that are demonstrably conducive to animal welfare (outdoor climate barn); see 5.4.7.1 letter h). 

6) A distinction must be made between existing decentralised and centralised exhaust air ducts. In the case of decentralised exhaust air ducts, retrofitting a centralised exhaust air purification system involves considerable structural work. 

7) Verification by a recognised expert or ventilation specialist company. If retrofitting is not possible, the requirements of Annex 11 TA Luft must be met. 

8) In principle, the purpose of the legal requirement for precautionary measures must be weighed against the additional costs for the operator. Extensive structural alterations to the building structure of the livestock building result in high retrofitting costs. According to the Higher Administrative Court of Lüneburg (judgment of 18 May 2020 – 12 LB 113/19), the additional costs for the retrofitting of the exhaust air purification system, taking into account the costs of the exhaust air purification system, are primarily relevant for assessing the proportionality of retrofitting. Additional costs of up to 20% of the investment costs of the exhaust air purification system can be considered reasonable (cf. OVG Saxony-Anhalt, decision of 16 December 2010 2 l 246/09). If the retrofitting costs are disproportionate, the requirements of Annex 11 must be met.

Separating faeces and urine, as is done with pigs, is not possible in poultry farming due to the biology of birds (faeces and urine are excreted together as excrement). In the case of fattening poultry, where excrement is not usually removed from the house during the fattening process, it is therefore important to add sufficient litter and heat to keep the litter loose and dry. Keeping the litter dry not only improves foot health, but also reduces the conversion of uric acid to ammonia.

Housing procedure

Reference value TA Luft 

kg NH3/(TP a)

Measure

Emission factor according to number 5.4.7.1 letter h 

of TA Luft 

reduction: 70 per cent

Emission factor according to Section 5.4.7.1(i)

of TA Luft 

Reduction: 40 per cent

Status
Floor rearing
Forced ventilation
(short fattening)		0.0315Exhaust air purification system 12, 13, 140.010.019Approved by TA Luft

Floor housing

Forced ventilation
(long mast)

0.0437Exhaust air purification system 12, 13, 140.0130.026Recognised by TA Luft

Table 1: Reduction techniques in conventional chicken fattening. The reference values according to Annex 11, Table 29 of TA Luft take into account a reduction in ammonia emissions through nutrient-adjusted feeding in accordance with Section 5.4.7.1(c). The table contains mitigation techniques from Table 29, Annex 11 and proposed mitigation techniques that have not yet been officially recognised (part 2 of the table).
kg NH₃ / (TP · a) = kilograms of ammonia per animal place per year. Short fattening: 33 days, long fattening: 42 days

The reduction techniques listed below have not yet been recognised by TA Luft. It is recommended that approval for these measures be sought from the competent authority.

Housing method

Ref. value TA Luft 

kg NH3/(TP a)

Measure

Emission factor for ammonia of the mitigation technique

kg NH3/(TP · a) in accordance with 5.2.7.1 i

Status
Floor housing

Short fattening: 0.0315

Long fattening: 0.0437

Litter solution ImproBed15,160.0102

LUFA North-West (E factor) 17

 

Not yet recognised by TA Luft

Floor housing

Short fattening: 0.0315

Long fattening: 0.0437

Stable system Plus Requires N/P-reduced feed, nipple drinkers with drip trays (drinking cups) plus straw pellets with increased bedding quantity (1.1 kg/m² + 0.4 kg/m² additional bedding0.0214

LUFA North-West (E factor)17

 

Not yet recognised by TA Luft

Barn

Short fattening: 0.0315 

Long fattening: 0.0437

Housing climate system with heat exchanger and air distribution0.0238

VERA certified22

 

Not yet recognised by TA Luft

Table 1 - Part 2: Mitigation techniques in conventional chicken fattening. The reference values according to Annex 11, Table 29 of TA Luft take into account a reduction in ammonia emissions through nutrient-adjusted feeding in accordance with Section 5.4.7.1(c). The table contains reduction techniques from Table 29, Annex 11 and proposed reduction techniques that have not yet been officially recognised.
kg NH₃ / (TP · a) = kilograms of ammonia per animal place per year. Short fattening: 33 days, long fattening: 42 days

Feeding measures and mass balance

An important area of reduction measures concerns the plant-related mass balance of nutrients (primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P)) of a farm in accordance with Annex 10 of the TA-Luft. As part of the balancing process, farms must demonstrate that they comply with the maximum nutrient excretion levels for N and P2O5 specified in Table 10 of the TA Luft. Based on the N and P input via feed and the nutrient intake of the animals (growth), as well as the N and P excretion calculated from this, N/P-reduced feeding10 can be demonstrated. For broiler chicken farming, for example, an ammonia reduction of 10% is required through N/P-reduced feeding compared to the previously valid values. A significant and precise reduction in crude protein and phosphorus while maintaining performance requires the use of free amino acids and microbial phytase in practice. Due to the legal restrictions on the use of free amino acids and phytases in EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, the maximum nutrient excretion levels specified in the TA Luft cannot be mandatorily implemented there. From a technical point of view, however, a reduction in nutrient excretion should be aimed for within the legally permissible options.
For plausibility checks, a facility-specific stable balance7,8 (TA Luft: mass balance according to Annex 105) over a continuous 12-month period is required. This records all nitrogen and phosphorus flows at facility level9 and serves as proof that the requirements (according to Table 10 of the TA Luft) for emission reduction are being met. A further reduction in nutrient excretion (above the required 10%) is also possible through further nutrient-reduced feeding. For example, alternative values of the same N/P reduction level (e.g. N/P reduced or strongly N/P reduced) from the publications of the DLG Working Group on Feed and Feeding10 can also be used, provided that these better correspond to the actual circumstances, as explained in the LAI enforcement questions23 (see also DLG leaflet 45710). 


This requires the targeted selection of raw components and knowledge of their nutrient composition. A reduction in N and P intake via feed and thus a reduction in excretion while still meeting requirements is only possible in non-ruminants through the use of free amino acids and phytases. In order to feed the animals as precisely as possible according to their needs, it is necessary to adjust the ration to the animals' stage of development. In this context, it is particularly important to adjust the nutrient concentrations to the constantly changing needs in the different growth phases, rather than the number of phases. Microbial phytases and free amino acids are not permitted for organic farms operating in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848. This means that nutrient-adjusted feeding as specified in Table 10 of the TA Luft is not feasible for these farms.
In addition, closed nutrient cycles can further reduce emissions and increase the sustainability of farms. This includes, for example, the efficient use of feed (reducing feed losses) and the return of nutrients to the farm cycle.

 

Alternative ways of reducing emissions from livestock farming and innovative approaches

An acidic litter environment (< pH 4) appears to reduce ammonia emissions in addition to having positive effects on reducing bacterial pressure. At a pH value < 4, less ammonium (NH4+) is converted into climate-impacting ammonia (NH3)18. One option for this is the DLG-certified litter additive based on sodium hydrogen sulphate (trade name "ImproBed®17", see Table 1, Part 2) for broilers, which has been proven to lower the pH value in the litter. Approval for poultry other than broilers, e.g. for laying hens, is currently being worked on. However, based on experience, the ventilation options available on the farm must be taken into account when using ImproBed. ImproBed is most effective in dry houses with low humidity. If the air humidity is high, the house must be ventilated more intensively, which can lead to a sharp increase in heating costs, especially in the winter months. The product is recognised by many districts as a mitigation measure for chicken fattening to reduce ammonia emissions. However, it is not yet listed in Annex 11 of the TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control) as an approved mitigation measure. Legal recognition as a mitigation measure in accordance with TA Luft must be clarified with the relevant immission control authority.
Furthermore, the best possible hygiene status19, 20 and appropriate management should always prevail in the farm in order to prevent performance reductions and thus higher excretion values in percentage terms. Cleaning and disinfection adapted to the farm can be helpful here21. 

Facilities in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation and "animal welfare" facilities

So-called "animal welfare stables" (quality-assured husbandry practices that are proven to promote animal welfare) within the meaning of TA-Luft with outdoor climate stables that promote animal welfare, presumably farms with organic animal husbandry and animal husbandry from husbandry level 3 onwards, must currently reduce their NH3 emissions by at least 33% by 1 December 2026. To date (as of March 2026), the authorities have not yet clarified how animal welfare stables are defined in poultry farming (see below). In the area of fattening pig farming, a 33% reduction is already associated with animal welfare-friendly outdoor climate stables. Since Annex 11 of the TA Luft does not yet specify any measures for poultry farming – in contrast to pig farming – that are recognised as improving animal welfare, the design guidelines of the AMK/UMK ad hoc expert group on "Immission Control and Animal Welfare" convened by the federal and state governments must be observed. They describe the essential criteria for open and closed stables with outdoor access. Corresponding implementation guidelines23 and reference works26 are currently (as of March 2026) only available for fattening pigs, as only these husbandry methods are regulated in the Animal Husbandry Labelling Act. Implementation guidelines for poultry farming are currently being developed. 
When considering emission reduction in free-range farming, the facility and the associated outdoor areas must be dimensioned and designed in such a way that nutrient inputs from manure deposits do not lead to harmful environmental impacts. Particular attention must be paid to nitrogen inputs in areas close to livestock housing. At the same time, attention must be paid to the disease control situation, as different materials pose different risks. If you are unsure, it is advisable to contact a consultant or veterinarian. If the outdoor areas near the barn are covered with gravel and grit, the input is particularly high. Neither material binds nitrogen, so it is washed into the soil unfiltered. Instead, a study on laying hens concludes that straw pellets and wood chips in particular have good nitrogen-binding properties. It is important to replace them regularly, at least before and after the winter seepage period, otherwise high rainfall can cause nutrients to leach out of the substrate. The sometimes conflicting requirements of the TA-Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control) and building regulations make it difficult for many farmers to convert their stables to meet animal welfare standards. For example, building regulations often prevent the construction of a conservatory/outdoor climate area, which means that the stable cannot be classified as a higher form of husbandry and thus as an "animal welfare stable". The KTBL and the LAI recommend that livestock farms consult with the veterinary authorities if necessary and base their regulations on space requirements and stocking density from animal welfare labels11,23. However, this procedure does not protect against subsequent conversion requirements, as the official requirements have not yet been specified in the enforcement aids (see above).
As organic farms operated in accordance with Regulation (EC) 889/2008 currently do not allow microbial phytases and free amino acids in feed, and therefore nutrient-adjusted feeding as specified in Table 10 of the TA Luft is not feasible for them, they do not have to comply with the excretion values in Table 10, which makes it obsolete to check compliance with these values by means of a balance sheet. However, a reference value for the degree of emission reduction for ammonia must be determined on the basis of the feed plan (TA Luft, 5.4.7.1 h). However, it is still unclear how this is to be done. The requirements only apply if they do not contradict the Organic Regulation.

Other poultry species

For parent stock, turkeys and ducks, there are currently no quality-assured exhaust air purification technologies in Germany that meet the requirements of TA Luft No. 5.4.7.1 h and Annex 12, which is why these poultry species are exempt from the regulations. However, it is sufficient to comply with nutrient-reduced feeding (multi-phase feeding) and the associated maximum excretion values in Table 10, as well as specifications for litter, drinking troughs and manure removal in particular, in order to ensure dry litter (see BAT 33 and 34 of the implementing provisions29). The measures include regular replenishment of sufficient quantities of litter (odour control) and, in the case of fattening poultry, e.g. thermal insulation of the floor or the installation of underfloor heating.
 

Literature

  1. Federal Environment Agency (2025). Germany's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Retrieved from: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/daten/klima/treibhausgasminderungsziele-deutschlands#internationale-vereinbarungen-weisen-den-weg
  2. Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (2023). Ammonia emissions: Agriculture must take action. Retrieved from: https://www.praxis-agrar.de/umwelt/klima/ammoniak-emissionen
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  9. Saxon State Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture (2024). The amended Industrial Emissions Directive (IE-RL) – consequences for animal husbandry. Specialist colloquium on construction and technology – implementation of IE-RL and TA Luft in animal husbandry facilities. Retrieved from: https://landwirtschaft.sachsen.de/download/1_2024-12-03_Fritsche_IED.pdf
  10. DLG – German Agricultural Society (2023). Consideration of N- and P-reduced feeding methods in the nutrient excretion of broilers, pullets and laying hens. DLG information sheet 457. Retrieved from: https://www.dlg.org/dlg-merkblatt-457-wwwdlgorg-beruecksichtigung-n-und-p-reduzierter-fuetterungsverfahren-bei-den-naehrstofausscheidungen
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  28. Final report "Optimisation of free-range rearing of laying hens to reduce nutrient inputs in outdoor areas using a participatory approach with practitioners" (OPAL) (2023). Deerberg, Fr., Deerberg, Dr. F, Heß, Prof. Dr. J. Retrieved from: https://opac.dbu.de/ab/DBU-Abschlussbericht-AZ-33974_01-Hauptbericht.pdf
  29. COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2017/302 on the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the intensive rearing or breeding of poultry or pigs (2017). Retrieved from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX%3A32017D0302&from=EN
  30. BMUKN draft bill for a general administrative regulation implementing Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2749 on conclusions on best available techniques for slaughterhouses (09/2025). Retrieved from: https://www.bundesumweltministerium.de/law/draft-bill-of-the-bmukn-for-a-general-administrative-regulation-implementing-implementing-decision-eu-2023-2749-on-conclusions-on-best-available-techniques-relating-to-slaughterhouses
  31. Federal Office of Justice and Consumer Protection (2013). Act on Protection against Harmful Environmental Impacts from Air Pollution, Noise, Vibration and Similar Processes. Retrieved from: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bimschg/BJNR007210974.html#BJNR007210974BJNG000103360
  32. Board of Trustees for Technology and Construction in Agriculture (KTBL). INKALKTIER. Retrieved from: https://ktbl.inkalktier.de/app/

Further topics Animal welfare Poultry