Spatial variability of enthalpy and illuminance in free-range broiler sheds

Abstract

Free-range broiler producers are concerned with the thermal environment and lighting of their facilities and seek to improve these factors for the increased welfare of their broilers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatialization of illuminance and enthalpy in two free-range broiler sheds, one of masonry with a clay tile roof and the other built of wood with a straw roof. The data on air temperature, relative air humidity, and illuminance were recorded between September and October 2018 for five non-consecutive weeks in two periods during the day: morning (9 hours) and afternoon (15 hours). The data were collected at 42 points per shed, spaced 0.40 × 0.75 m. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, considering two periods and two sheds. Spatial dependence was evaluated using geostatistics and interpolation maps by kriging. The facilities presented strong or moderate spatial dependence for all observed variables and periods. The small edges and lack of management of curtains resulted in the masonry shed having higher illuminance values during both periods. Although it did not present ideal values for a comfortable environment, the wood shed was more thermally efficient.

Enthalpy as a thermal comfort index in broiler poultry production

“…by producers (Faustino et al, 2021). Consequently, analyzing the lower and upper comfort and critical enthalpy indices is crucial, as they are significant variables for bird productivity and animal welfare.…”

“…In addition to determining comfort enthalpy, the formula's outcome also categorizes the life cycle of birds. As stated by Faustino et al (2021), the comfort variables for broilers fluctuate weekly, necessitating different conditions of temperature and relative air humidity for these animals each week.…”

Poultry Farming and Lighting: A Review on the Importance of Lighting in Broiler Chicken Aviaries

“…It is proven that light intensity, lamp distribution, and color temperature encourage broiler chickens to feed and hydrate. When brightness is excessive, a temperature increase occurs, causing the birds to cluster in the shed in less affected regions, rendering areas with higher lighting ineffective (Faustino et al, 2021).…”

“…Excessive brightness raises temperature, causing birds to gather in less illuminated areas of sheds. As a result, areas with more illumination are underutilized (Faustino et al, 2021). A well-designed lighting program for broiler chicken aviaries can improve the environmental efficiency where birds are housed, while also considering their well-being.…”

Effect of the Spatial Distribution of the Temperature and Humidity Index in a New Zealand White Rabbit House on Respiratory Frequency and Ear Surface Temperature

“…The geostatistical techniques are considered an efficient tool for evaluating thermal variables inside of animal facilities. Such techniques have been used by many researchers studying the thermal comfort of other animal species such as broilers, dairy cows, laying hens, and free-range broilers [17][18][19][20][21].…”