Poultry Production Manual
Poultry Production Manual
Chapters
Sections
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Sections
- Review: Electronic ventilation controller terminology
- Economic importance of ventilation
- Air quality
- Air temperature
- Moisture
- Relationship between temperature and moisture
- Air exchange for temperature control
- Air exchange for moisture control
- Air velocity
- Ventilation system design
- Mechanical ventilation systems
- Natural ventilation systems
- Combined mechanical and natural ventilation systems
- Emergency ventilation
- Fan selection
- Fan accessories
- Maintenance
Fall and spring are transitional seasons when outside temperatures can vary considerably from day to night, with differences of 30-40°F often seen. Such large fluctuations in daily temperatures can make it difficult for growers to ventilate their poultry houses properly. In order to achieve optimal bird performance it is important to maintain a constant internal temperature, but as outside temperatures change, growers must modify their management systems throughout the day. Ventilation that is setup to handle hot weather during the day is often not suitable for the colder outside temperature drops that occur in the evening. The challenge is two fold – determining when to transition from hot weather to cold weather mode ventilation (and vice versa) and making smooth transitions so that the birds are not subjected to any drastic changes in temperature. It is important to introduce temperature changes gradually, especially when the birds are young.
When using tunnel ventilation it is important to remember the wind chill effect of the air speed traveling over broilers. When daily temperatures are variable, tunnel ventilation is needed (depending on broiler age) to cool the broilers during the day when outside temperatures can climb in the 80s. However, as outside temperatures drop into the 60s and below at night continuing to run tunnel ventilation can have a negative impact on broiler health and performance. It is important to monitor broiler comfort during these transitional times so that ventilation can be adjusted as outside temperature changes. Regulating house temperatures during transitional seasons can be difficult, but monitoring broiler comfort along with the house temperature will help to determine when to adjust ventilation in response to changing outside temperatures (see Figure 10.1 and Figure 10.2).
Figure 10.1 - Typical behavior of chicks under spot brooding
Figure 10.2 - Typical behavior of chicks under whole house brooding
Feeding lines
To prevent excess spillage, feed lines need to be adjusted as broilers grow. Feed consumption should be monitor to detect any problems with the operation of the feed lines.
Water lines
The time and labor involved in cleaning open-type waterers makes them impractical for larger broiler farms. An enclosed watering system that needs little or no cleaning is preferred. Although enclosed waterers minimize labor, they require as much or more management as open waterers. Their height is critical and must be adjusted daily. Pressure regulators also require frequent monitoring and adjustment.
An effective filtering system is essential when using enclosed systems. Inspect filter cartridges weekly and replaces as needed. Perform routine flushing and preventive maintenance after every flock.
Water meters are useful and are recommended for large farms. Monitor and compare water consumption between houses and flocks to identify disease and production problems quickly. An alarm system that alerts the grower when water pressure drops in a house is also a worthwhile safety feature.
Research has shown that chicks have a preference for the lines toward the center of the house. Water line usage is symmetrical with greatest use in the center and lower as you move out towards the walls. However, water line usage tends to even out. This may be due to the fact that chickens become less mobile as they get older. Water line preference is largely determined by ease of use since broilers are basically lazy. Water line height and nipple flow rate will also affect water line choice. Nipple flow rate is determined primarily by nipple design and nipple pressure.
Preventive maintenance
While automated equipment enables growers to care for more broilers with less labor, serious problems occur when equipment malfunctions. Today’s large farms have so much equipment, something always needs repairing. As a result, birds are frequently neglected.
Minimize time spent working on equipment with a preventive maintenance program. Between flocks, inspect and tighten all fan belts, clean dust and debris off fan motors and shutters, flush out the entire watering system and completely clean out the feeding system. Keep an inventory of spare parts (including fan and feeder motors, belts, water nipples, fogger nozzles, pumps for fogging systems, PVC pipe, water filter cartridges and light bulbs) on hand at all times. Develop a maintenance checklist based on the recommendations of equipment manufacturers. Include scheduled maintenance dates and check them off as maintenance is performed.
Emissions of dust, gases and odors from poultry facilities pose major challenges for the poultry industry. In addition to environmental issues associated with air and water quality, there has been an increase in nuisance complaints associated with urban encroachment.
Vegetative buffers are a cost-effective method that can be used to address these issues. Planting trees around poultry farms has been utilized in the past for wind breaks and for shade. Trees can be selected to allow them to act as a vegetative buffer that will provide a visual screen, a filter for air-borne pathogens, and to filter emissions (odors, noises, dust, and gases) discharged by the exhaust fans from poultry farms.
Sections
- MYTH: The air exhausted from poultry houses will damage property and cause health concerns
- The benefits of planting trees around poultry farms. By George Malone and Dorothy Abbott-Donnelly, University of Delaware
- VEB TOOL-KIT: A guide to vegetative environmental buffers for tunnel-ventilated poultry houses (Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.)
