Research Article

The influence of temperature and humidity conditions on productivity and welfare of broiler chickens

Teresa Bombik, Barbara Biesiada-Drzazga, Elżbieta Bombik, Aneta Frankowska

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 10(4), 2011, 23‒30

Abstract. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of thermal and humidity conditions on productivity and welfare of broiler chickens. Studies were conducted during the winter in two buildings (Aand B) of similar technical and technological solutions, and different area indexes. It was found that broiler houseA, with optimal density of birds (16.5 chickens per m2) had temperature and air relative humidity ranged within the limits of zoohygienic recommendations. Whereas broiler house B where birds density was too highly (18.6 chickens per m2) showed a slight deflection of these parameters from standard. Profitable management conditions of broiler chickens in the buildingA was reflected in higher body weight (2260 g), better feed conversion (1880 g · kg b.w.–1) and lower mortality of birds (3.6%).

Keywords: broiler chickens, management conditions, productivity, welfare