Abstract
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.
Highlights
Poultry farming is no longer a subsistence activity but is currently highly profitable, presenting a socioeconomic function and generating a source of income and protein
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
A high value of illuminance was observed for the masonry shed (MS), compared to that of the wood shed (WS) (Table 1) in both periods
Summary
Poultry farming is no longer a subsistence activity but is currently highly profitable, presenting a socioeconomic function and generating a source of income and protein. There are few bioclimatological studies on facilities suitable for free-range broilers. In Brazil, poultry facilities are mostly built without thermal insulation planning, especially those intended for free-range broilers. Open facilities are more susceptible to climate change, exposing broilers to large thermal amplitudes and high light intensities (Paulino et al, 2019). The intensity, distribution, color, and duration of light stimulate the broilers to search for food and water (Archer & Mench, 2014). Excess luminosity increases temperature, generating agglomeration of broilers in areas of the shed with milder temperatures, increasing density, and rendering areas with higher illumination ineffective (Queiroz et al, 2017)
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