Environment for poultry
Charles, D.R.
Veterinary Record 106(14): 307-309
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 6998101 Document Number: 154576
The response of layers and breeders to different environmental conditions in poultry houses is discussed. The feed intake of a laying hen decreases by about 1.5 g a day for every degree centigrade rise in temperature and egg production rises by about one egg per bird a year for every degree rise in temperature up to 25-30 deg C. The precise temperature above which production is depressed depends on various factors including acclimatization, numbers per cage, and feather cover. From considering relationships between temperature, food intake and heat loss it was concluded that maximum production occurs at about 24 deg C and maximum gross energetic efficiency at about 27 deg C. In broilers maximum efficiency was achieved at temperatures between 21-23 deg C. Control of temperature is usually achieved through a regulating ventilation between the maximum, which is calculated to prevent excessive temperature rise in warm weather and the minimum needed to prevent ammonia levels rising about 25 ppm and prevent carbon dioxide concentration exceeding 0.5%.