Air velocity and high temperature effects on broiler performance

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Husbandry
• Environmental Physiology

Background:

• High environmental temperatures can induce panting in broilers, affecting their well-being and productivity.
• Air velocity is a critical factor in managing the thermal environment for poultry.
• Optimizing ventilation strategies is essential for improving broiler growth and feed conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of high air velocity (125 m/min) in a wind tunnel environment on broiler body weight gain and feed:gain.
• To compare the performance of broilers reared in wind tunnels versus conventional cross-ventilated floor pens.
• To evaluate the influence of waterer type (nipple vs. trough) on broiler performance under different ventilation systems.

Main Methods:

• Three trials involving 1,320 male broilers, starting at 4 weeks of age.
• Broilers were housed in either wind tunnel pens or conventional floor pens with cross ventilation.
• Air velocity was maintained at 125 m/min in the wind tunnel; conditions were otherwise standardized.
• Waterer type (nipple or trough) was varied in one trial to assess its interaction with ventilation.

Main Results:

• Wind tunnel rearing significantly improved body weight gain and feed:gain compared to conventional ventilation across all trials.
• In Trial 3, waterer type did not significantly affect performance in the wind tunnel.
• Floor-reared broilers using nipple waterers showed reduced body weight gain and feed:gain compared to those using trough waterers.

Conclusions:

• Elevated air velocity in wind tunnels offers a beneficial environment for broiler growth and feed efficiency.
• The challenges of drinking while panting may negatively impact performance in conventionally ventilated systems, especially with nipple waterers.
• Wind tunnel ventilation appears to mitigate heat stress effects, leading to superior broiler performance.