What is the optimum temperature for
chicken farming?
- It depends on the age, but it is
generally as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Optimal temperature for Chicken breeding
|
Optimal
Temperature
|
Broiler
|
15~27¡É
|
Layer
|
18~24¡É
|
Due to global warming, the average temperature of the Earth
is rising. As a result, the heat stress on chickens become serious problems to
farms. Then what are some of the problems caused by the heat?
Figure 2 Global average temperature
Source: https://ko.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%BC:Global_Temperature_Anomaly.svg
So what
happens to chickens at high temperatures?
- At high temperatures, chickens become stressed. Due to the
heat stress of chickens, there is a huge economic loss all over the world.
Chickens do some behaviors when they are under the heat
stress. Spreading wings, panting and increasing water intake are the examples. And
a stress hormone called cortisol is released.
Cortisol can cause serious problems by reducing immunity and
homeostasis when it is secreted excessively due to heat stress.
Figure 3 is problems that occur in chickens due to heat
stress.
Figure 3 heat stress problems to chickens
Then, what should you do?
- Ventilation
Ventilation is important to lower the temperature.
Ventilation can be a good idea to lower the temperature of the chicken to
reduce heat stress.
- Feed & Water
Increasing the level of fat instead of
carbohydrates reduces the heat produced by the digestive process. Minimizing non-essential amino acids
and fibers is also helpful. Another way is to paint the water tank white or
cover it with a roof to provide cool water.
-Vitamin C
Another way is vitamin C. Vitamin C
lowers the level of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is secreted by
heat stress. Vitamin C also strengthens the legs and improves productivity.