High levels of ammonia will affect rabbit production as it causes respiratory irritation that leads to snuffles. Ventilation to control moisture and ammonia will usually be sufficient to control other gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Ammonia levels are sometimes used to indicate whether adequate ventilation is being provided. If there is no odor of ammonia, carbon dioxide levels should be acceptable except in cases of malfunctioning heating equipment. Dust may be a problem at the lower ranges of the recommended relative humidity levels.
Dust is made up of skin, hair, feed and fecal materials.
Excessive dust levels may reduce production levels and will frequently contribute to chronic respiratory problems for those working in the facility. Normally ventilation is used to control temperature inside the building when outside temperatures are above freezing and to control moisture and odors when outside temperatures drop below freezing. During spring and fall conditions, higher levels of ventilation may be needed for odor control than would be expected for temperature or moisture control. A good ventilation system will bring air into a building through planned openings. The fresh air is mixed with the air inside the building and then exhausted through fans or planned openings.