[Comparative study of microbial and mold pollution of the air in locations for poultry-keeping in various...

Experiments were carried out to establish the microbial and mold contamination of the air on premises where birds were raised following varying patterns of tending and feeding. It was found that on premises for layers, raised in cages, the microbial contamination of the air was 2-3 times lower. The results obtained showed that the main source of air contamination in places where birds are kept is the litter (the other alternative being the floor type of raising). Differences were established in the egg laying, on the one hand, and the forage intake per 'market' egg, on the other, comparing the two types of raising. As all other factors of microclimate were within the normal range of zoohygiene standards, the basic factor which was incriminated to affect both productivity and forage intake per egg was the amount of the microbial flora of the air. Studies have shown that the number of birds per unit of area is an important factor determining the microbial contamination of the air and the health condition of birds.