Chapter 7 - Moisture

Relative humidity is a measure of how saturated the air is with water vapor. When the relative humidity is 100% the air is saturated. Air can hold more water vapor as it gets warmer. So, 70°F air at 100% relative humidity will be holding less water than 90°F at 100% relative humidity. If this same saturated 70°F air is warmed to 90°F, its capacity to hold water vapor will increase. If relative humidity is too low, litter dries and the amount of dust in the air increases. This may adversely affect the broiler’s respiratory system. Air relative humidity (RH) of 30-75% has little effect on birds IF temperature is in the thermal comfort zone.