Poultry Housing Systems Research Articles

Integrated analysis of the effects of agricultural management on nitrogen fluxes at landscape scale

The integrated modelling system INITIATOR was applied to a landscape in the northern part of the Netherlands to assess current nitrogen fluxes to air and water and the impact of various agricultural measures on these fluxes, using spatially explicit input data on animal numbers, land use, agricultural management, meteorology and soil. Average model results on NH 3 deposition and N concentrations in surface water appear to be comparable to observations, but the deviation can be large at local scale, despite the use of high resolution data. Evaluated measures include: air scrubbers reducing NH 3 emissions from poultry and pig housing systems, low protein feeding, reduced fertilizer amounts and low-emission stables for cattle. Low protein feeding and restrictive fertilizer application had the largest effect on both N inputs and N losses, resulting in N deposition reductions on Natura 2000 sites of 10% and 12%, respectively.

Comparative analysis of fatty acid profile and cholestrol content in table eggs from different genotype hens

Alternative (non-conventional) poultry housing systems are introduced into production, on the one hand for the benefit of poultry welfare and, on the other hand because of the quality of eggs, i.e. the association/correlation between quality of life of hens and quality of product is established. Data obtained in the comparative analysis for proximate composition, fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of whole egg of genotype (Hy line and Naked N) housed in different systems (cage and free range) are presented in this study. Eggs from Naked Neck hens reared in free range system had statistically significantly higher content of dry matter, fat, protein and ash compared to genotype Hy line housed in both systems. Eggs obtained from genotype Hy line hens reared in free range system, in comparison to cage system, had higher content of dry matter, fat and ash, although the differences were not statistically significant, whereas the difference in the protein/albumen content in Hy line hens housed in cages compared to free range was statistically significant. Significantly lower content of n-6 fatty acids was established in eggs from Naked Neck hens (13.32) compared to eggs obtained from Hy-line hens housed on free range (17.46) and Hy-line hens housed in cage system (18.02). Content of toxic elements (Cd < 0.001 mg/kg; Pb < 0.05 mg/kg; As < 0.01 mg/kg; Hg < 0.005 mg/kg) in all three groups of eggs was in compliance with standards stipulated in the Article 9a, Annex 5, Rulebook on maximum residue limits for plant protective compounds in food and feed for which maximum reside limits are established.

Economical Supporting System Design for Laying Hen Poultry Houses

Poultry houses should be economical and should demonstrate adequate resistance and safety. In poultry houses, generally truss systems or frames are used as the supporting systems and reinforced concrete and steel sections are used as construction materials. In this study, 45 poultry houses from 25 commercial enterprises within the study area were selected as the material. They were evaluated based on their capacities, system designs and construction material used in their supporting system. Initially, construction materials selected for supporting systems and their dimensions were determined and their structural sufficiencies were evaluated. Then, seven model poultry house were developed by taking the current conditions of the enterprises and related literatures into consideration. Three different material combinations were considered for supporting system of each model developed: Steel truss - reinforce d concrete column, steel truss - steel column and frame system. Thus, total of 21 different combinations for 7 models were evaluated. Depending on supporting system characteristics, load analysis and statical calculations were carried out for each model and supporting systems were dimensioned based on results obtained from statical solutions and economical comparisons were carried out among them. It is believed that results of this study may contribute significant perspectives for the project engineers in poultry housing systems.

Management Strategies to Reduce Air Emissions: Emphasis—Dust and Ammonia

Air emissions generated by poultry production are numerous and can include dust, odors, endotoxins, microorganisms, and numerous gases. Ammonia (NH3) emissions have the potential to contaminate surface waters and are an environmental concern on both a local and global scale. These emissions in and around poultry production facilities can be a health and performance issue for birds and their caretakers. Dietary strategies can aid in the reduction of many airborne emissions, including dust and ammonia. Management techniques to quell, capture, or eliminate these air contaminants are numerous but vary in their cost, effectiveness, and practicality. Endotoxins, microorganisms, and nitrogenous compounds also can adhere to dust particles. Techniques for dust control include simple house cleaning, oil and water fogging, windbreaks, different filters, precipitation, certain housing systems and equipment, and vegetative shelterbelts. Many of the same strategies to reduce dust will also reduce ammonia losses as well. Simple procedures, including good manure management, reducing stress and maintaining bird health, reduce nitrogenous losses. Litter and manure amendments aid in reducing ammonia volatilization, and like those techniques for dust control, poultry housing systems, biofilters, water filters, composting, and vegetative shelterbelts also have potential for ammonia mitigation.

Effect of ambient temperature on losses of volatile nitrogen compounds from stored laying hen manure

Eight one tonne lots of laying hen manure were stored in individual, environmentally controlled chambers for 18-weeks at one of four constant temperatures: 12, 15, 20 and 25 °C. The losses of volatile nitrogen compounds, ammonia, and changes in dry matter and pH were measured during the storage period. There was a linear ( P<0.001) loss of nitrogen from the manure over the 18-week storage period. This loss represented approximately 60% of the initial nitrogen present in the manure. The rate of nitrogen loss increased non-linearly ( P<0.05) with increasing storage temperature. Poultry housing systems that provide low temperature storage of manure are recommended to reduce the volatile nitrogen losses from egg-laying enterprises.

Comparison of odour emissions from animal housing systems with low ammonia emission

Nuisance from livestock facilities is an increasing problem in densely populated areas like The Netherlands. It is in the interest of both farmers and society that housing systems and management methods are developed to minimise the emission of odour. An odour research programme has been completed in The Netherlands to investigate odour emission from both conventional housing systems and systems designed for low ammonia emission. The aim of this paper is to compare within each animal category the odour emission of a number of swine housing systems and poultry housing systems. Emission measurements including 17 housing systems were carried out at 24 livestock facilities. Results showed that investigated systems with low ammonia emission for fattening pigs and sows were significantly (p<0.025) lower than conventional systems, being 50%, or more, lower. For laying hens and broilers, housing systems with low ammonia emission showed odour emissions that in most cases only differed slightly from conventional systems. Correlations between ammonia and odour concentration (within facilities) did not show a consistent pattern. It is concluded that methods for restriction of emitting (slurry) surface in pig husbandry may reduce both ammonia and odour emission. In poultry housings the effects of methods for ammonia reduction that involve drying of fresh manure or litter cannot be directly extrapolated to odour emision.

Studies on egg quality. I.—effects of certain poultry housing systems, age of bird and season

AbstractThe initial quality of eggs from pullets and hens of the same strain under intensive and extensive systems of management have been studied over a twelve‐month period. Candling quality, percentage thick white, yolk index, the occurrence of meat and blood spots, and yolk and shell colours were recorded. The eggs were also examined by visual comparison with graded picture charts. The system of management had little effect on the quality of the eggs except that access to range resulted in slightly darker yolks, and in slightly improved appearance of the albumen during the winter months. Changes of quality due to the maturing of pullets were small compared with the effects of season. Different measures of quality were differently affected by season.