Many horse owners have used agricultural or gardening lime in barns, often over urine-soaked areas in stalls to neutralize the ammonia smell. Once allowed to dry, the area is covered over with bedding before the horse's skin comes into contact with it.
But is this practice safe? Some owners are concerned that the lime will dry out horse hooves or damage equine lungs – not to mention burn sensitive skin.
Dr. Karen Waite, Equine Extension Specialist with Michigan State University, tells Equus that there is no scientific evidence indicating that agricultural lime causes any issues in horses, including with their hooves, skin, or lungs.
Agricultural lime is primarily made up of calcium carbonate, a nontoxic substance used in human antacid products. “Caustic lime,” which includes quicklime and hydrated lime, however, has been processed in a way that will burn skin (human and equine) as well as vegetation. These limes should be avoided for all home, barn and garden use.
Agricultural lime is basically ground stone. Some equine lungs may be sensitive to the powder if it's inhaled, so it's best to apply ag lime to stalls while the horses aren't in them. Additionally, ag lime can be purchased in a pelleted form, which will further decrease the chance of inhalation.
If a barn often smells of ammonia from urine output, it's worthwhile to investigate why the smell is so strong, says Waite. Stall cleaning frequency and protocol may need to be investigated, and it's best to leave windows, vents and doors open to promote airflow.
Read more at Equus
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