Housing is a crucial cornerstone of healthy broiler development. Creating the right environment sets chicks up to achieve higher weight gains and overall results. More than that, it helps create a baseline for best practice that will do nothing but benefit your overall operation.
Broilers need a comfortable climate in every phase of their life.The best way to win this challenge is by using the “apparent temperature”, which indicates the subjectively perceived climatic situation and is influenced by the correct relationship between temperature, humidity and movement.
Where ventilation systems are exclusively temperature-controlled, the birds will chill very quickly, because humidity and air speed are not taken into account. Instead, a system should be implemented along enthalpy lines – a holistic approach that always considers how much energy is present within the system at any time. Doing so will lead to a well-balanced relationship between the three factors mentioned above.
Different technologies can aid the establishment of an optimal climate, including temperature sensors, humidity sensors and negative pressure gauges. Defective devices or incorrect settings can actually damage the broilers – indirectly, in terms of going outside the target humidity or air rate, or directly in allowing excessive concentrations of dust, ammonia or carbon dioxide to form.
A comfortabe climate for more animal welfare. You can do like this:
Good technology is installed and the workers know how to use it: intensive monitoring of the birds and adjustments during the first three to four days.
2. If there are still problems: Inspection of the ventilation system, adjustment by an expert.
3. Maintenance of the system, training of the farm manager.
4. Upgrade or replacement of the existing control system.
Intensive monitoring of the birds and constant climate adjustments during the first days after moving-in are the basis for healthy, efficient and stable flocks. Even as modern control systems automate more and more tasks in the barn, the value of the farmer’s dedication during this period cannot be understated. Many farms have the potential to drive positive change in this area. Best practice in housing isn’t a one-off measure, it’s a continued process.
