In the breeding of chickens, the temperature is the first element of raising chickens. A suitable temperature can not only enable the chickens to get good growth and development, but also save feed, maximize production performance, and increase profit returns. In addition, the appropriate temperature can facilitate the environmental control of the chicken house and improve the resistance of the chickens. Therefore, the temperature is very important for raising chickens.
- Build a scientific chicken coop
1.1 Scientific design of the chicken coop
The scientific chicken house not only meets the requirements of modern breeding but also saves energy. The rules are designed to make the chicken house warm in winter and cool in summer as much as possible to make the flock more comfortable. If the chicken coop faces south, it will receive the sun. In winter, it is best to let the sun shine directly into the chicken coop and let the chickens enjoy the sun. In summer, you need to avoid sunlight in time. You can plant suitable trees at both ends of the chicken coop while building the chicken coop. For example, camphor and holly are good choices. Note that the trees should not be too high, otherwise they will easily attract the wild Birds to build nests, increasing the risk of epidemic prevention in chicken farms. It is best to use a thick layer at the top of the chicken house to facilitate cold and heat insulation, especially the color steel roof, which must be thickened. Considering the performance of longitudinal ventilation, the chicken house should not be too high, generally 3 meters.
1.2 Types of heating equipment
1.2.1 The heat preservation umbrella is the most common one. The brooding is heated by the electric heating tube under the umbrella. Generally, the temperature under the umbrella can reach 32 ℃, and the diameter of the heat preservation umbrella ranges from 2 to 3 meters. Generally, one umbrella can breed 500 to 800 chicks.
1.2.2 Heating “Earth Dragon” This is a relatively primitive heating method. A furnace is set up at one end of the chicken house, and the iron pipes in the chicken house are connected to conduct heat to the chicken house for heating. Because the pipes are longer, usually it is necessary to install an exhaust fan at the outlet of the pipe to increase heat circulation.
1.2.3 The principle of the hot blast stove is the same as the “Earth Dragon”, which spreads the temperature of the stove to the chicken coop to achieve hot blast heating. But the difference is that the earth dragon uses heat conduction (heat penetration), while the hot blast stove uses direct heating to blow in, which is more efficient. It is recommended that the hot blast stove be separated from the chicken house separately, so as to prevent the furnace from depleting the oxygen in the chicken house and the safety of the chicken house.
1.2.4 The plumbing sheet is heated by the boiler to heat the water heating aluminum sheet in the chicken house. The plumbing aluminum sheet conducts heat. There is also a fan behind the plumbing sheet to dissipate the heat faster and accelerate the temperature of the chicken house.
1.2.5 Floor heating is relatively advanced heating equipment in livestock and poultry breeding. The principle is also the same as plumbing, except that the plumbing pipes are placed on the concrete floor of the chicken house, and the whole chicken house floor is heated by hot water to achieve the purpose of heating the chicken house.
1.3 Selection of heating equipment
For heating equipment, the choice should be made according to the local climate environment. For example, the south has four distinct seasons, high humidity, and a short heating cycle. It is good to use an energy-saving hot blast stove, especially in winter, due to the convergence of hot and cold air. There are often water droplets on the ceiling of the air inlet, which increases the humidity of the chicken house, resulting in the wet litter, chicken legs are prone to disease, and it is not convenient to control the small environment of the chicken house. This problem can be solved well by using a hot air stove; the northern climate is dry, the wintertime is longer, the use of water heating is more reasonable, it is best to use both wind and heating. If you raise the chicks on a flat level, it is best to use the entire heating and insulation umbrella to provide heat at the same time. First, raise the temperature of the entire chicken house (lidding temperature) to about 25℃, and then use the insulation umbrella small pen to brood according to the number of chicks. Keep the temperature under the umbrella at about 35°C, so that the chickens can choose the appropriate temperature area independently, and gradually expand the range of chicken activities as the chicken’s age to increase the survival rate of brooding.
1.4 Types and selection of cooling equipment
In modern chicken coops, due to intensive and high-density breeding, cooling equipment is essential in the hot summer and hot weather. There are several cooling devices on the market at present, the more common ones are the indoor spray cooling system and the water curtain cooling system. In practical applications, the cooling effect of a water curtain is better than that of an indoor spray cooling system.
1.3.1 Indoor spray system: The rows of spray heads in the chicken house spray mist-like droplets, which quickly evaporate in the tunnel ventilation, absorb heat and achieve the purpose of reducing the temperature of the chicken house. At the same time, the dust in the chicken house is reduced, and the diameter of the fog particles is generally controlled at 80-120 microns. You can also adjust the size of the droplets to disinfect the chicken.
Disadvantages: It is more difficult to manage and operate. It is necessary to ensure the size of the droplets and reach a certain amount of spray to reduce the temperature of the chicken house. It should be considered that it will not cause respiratory problems and will not cause wet litter and chicken feathers.
1.3.2 Cooling pad: The principle of the Cooling pad is: that the cooling process of the system is completed in the wet curtain paper. When the hot dry air outside is sucked through the wet curtain paper by the fan, the water in the water film will absorb the heat in the air and evaporate, taking away a large amount of latent heat, so that the temperature of the air passing through the wet curtain paper is reduced. After this treatment, the cool air enters the room. This kind of equipment must use longitudinal ventilation to ensure that there is a certain static pressure in the chicken house, which is more appropriate in the water column of 0.13 to 0.25 cm. Generally, it can drop by 6~10℃.
The HIGHTOP exhaust fan has a large exhaust volume, low noise, and energy saving. The cooling pad has the advantages of high water absorption, high water resistance, mildew resistance, and long service life. The outer frame can be made of galvanized sheet, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel. HIGHTOP is one of the best poultry equipment suppliers and manufacturers in China. We have more than 15 years of experience in poultry farm equipment and can provide you with a full range of poultry equipment and services.
- The temperature required for each stage of the flock
2.1 Education period (1-4 weeks)
The temperature during the brooding period is the most critical. Because the chicken body temperature control function has not yet been developed in the first week, it is greatly affected by the external environment.
2.2 Growing period (5–23 weeks)
It is better to control the temperature of the chicken house at 20-25℃ during the growing period because the feed conversion rate is high. If there is a continuous temperature change, it is necessary to consider adding and subtracting feed. The humidity during the growing period should be controlled at 40%.
2.3 Laying period (after 24 weeks)
Generally, the suitable temperature for laying eggs is 13-20℃, of which 13-16℃ is higher, and 15-20℃ feed conversion rate is higher. Therefore, as far as possible, ensure that the minimum temperature of the laying hen house should not be lower than 13 ℃, and the maximum temperature should not be higher than 30 ℃, otherwise, it will have an irreversible impact on production.
The growth rate and feed utilization rate of commercial broilers are closely related to temperature. Through comparative analysis of feeding, broiler chickens from 4 weeks of age to sale have the fastest weight gain at 18℃, and the feed utilization rate per unit weight gain is 24℃ as the highest. Such as the combination of feed utilization and weight gain, 21℃ is the most suitable. It is now generally believed that broilers grow faster between 15.6 and 21.1℃. Recently, it has been reported that the pure feed utilization rate of broilers is highest at 27℃. Therefore, the appropriate temperature for a weight gain of broilers can be set at 16-18℃; if feed utilization is considered, at least 5-7℃ should be increased.
- The effect of temperature on chickens
In the breeding process, the temperature of the chicken house is too high or too low, and the temperature in the chicken house is uneven, which will affect the growth of the chickens.
3.1 The temperature is too high
3.1.1 Decrease in feed intake. Due to the underdeveloped sweat glands of chickens, heat is mainly dissipated through breathing and evaporation. When the temperature of the chicken house is higher than 30℃, the chickens will have a reduced appetite and increased drinking water. When the temperature exceeds 40℃, appetite will be completely abolished and death will occur.
3.1.2 Impact on production: High temperature causes the egg production rate to decrease. Between 25 and 30°C, every 1°C increase in temperature will reduce the egg production rate by 1.5% and reduce the egg weight by 0.3 g/piece; above 30°C, egg production The rate dropped significantly; the egg production rate at 32°C was 7.4% lower than that at 21°C, and the weight was reduced by 5.7%. In addition, the high temperature reduces the quality of eggshells and increases soft-shell eggs. Tests have shown that the thickness of the eggshell is 0.347 mm at 21.1℃, and it drops to 0.309 mm at 32.2℃, which is a decrease of 11%. It is generally believed that eggshells begin to thin above 21℃.
3.1.3 The impact on semen quality: High temperature leads to thin semen, reduced quantity, and reduced vitality, which in turn leads to a lower fertilization rate. Through our experimental research, the white feather AA+ parent generation cock is placed in an environment with a temperature of 38-40℃ and relative humidity of 68% for 2-3.5 hours, the sperm concentration and ejaculation volume immediately decrease, and the ejaculation volume is reduced by 1/3, and the sperm volume is reduced compared with the original 40%, it takes 5-6 days to return to normal.
3.1.4 The normal body fluids of chickens that produce respiratory acidosis should be slightly alkaline. In such a body fluid environment, cells work normally and run vitality. Due to the continuous high temperature, chickens breathe faster. If they do not get effective cooling and drinking water, the acid-base balance of the chicken body will be out of balance, acidic body fluids will increase, resulting in decreased cell viability and weakened organ function. If it continues to increase, it will be prone to death. Therefore, in the hot season, feeding the chickens with baking soda has the effect of regulating body fluid balance.
3.1.5 High temperature causes rapid loss of vitamins and their nutrients in feed. When processed pellets are extruded at high temperatures, a large number of vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin B will be lost. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement a variety of vitamins when using pellet feed. High temperature also affects the storage time of feed. It is recommended that the farms should not store feed for more than 5 days in summer.
3.2 The temperature is too low
For a chicken with fully developed feathers, due to the physiological characteristics of the chicken, the low-temperature tolerance is better than the higher temperature, but the continuous and strong low temperature has a greater impact on the flock.
3.2.1 Leading to an increase in the feed intake of the chickens. Under normal circumstances, when the temperature gradually drops, for every 3°C drops, about 5 grams of feed should be added to the chickens so that the chickens can get enough heat to maintain body temperature and production levels. 3.2.2 Low temperature causes an increase in the proportion of ascites in commercial broilers. From the symptoms and causes of ascites disease, ascites are mainly caused by the low temperature in the chicken house and poor air quality.
3.2.3 Induced respiratory diseases: Winter respiratory diseases often occur both in commercial chickens and breeders.
3.2.4 The peak feed volume becomes higher. The outside climate must also be considered when designing the breeder to add the peak feed. The low temperature is slightly higher than the peak feed volume so that the breeder can use part of the feed to maintain demand.
- How to control the temperature in daily work
4.1 Frequently observe the flock
Although you have good heating and cooling equipment, it does not mean that the time to go to the chicken coop will be reduced accordingly. It is necessary to observe the performance of the chicken in time and use it as the first element to evaluate the comfort of the chicken. Through observation, you can understand the temperature of the chicken in time, And adjust the temperature according to the chicken’s condition.
4.2 Prevent ground sweeping
If small pens are used for brooding, the tightness of the pens must be checked to prevent the wind from blowing directly on the chickens from under the pens, causing discomfort to the chickens.
4.3 Strengthen litter management
Although there is no direct relationship between litter and temperature, good litter is undoubtedly good for the flock, no matter what season it is. Pay attention to check the drinking water system of the chicken house for any leaks, repairing them in time, and removing the wet litter under the drinking fountains in time. The litter needs to be dry, loose, and soft. The thickness of the litter is generally 8-12 cm.
4.4 Regularly check the heating and cooling equipment to ensure that the chicken farm has standby power
A large-scale farm has a lot of equipment, the dust in the chicken house is large, and the wires and pipes are easy to age and block in such an environment. If they are not managed and protected for a long time, they may cause certain hidden dangers to safe production. It is recommended to check once a week under normal circumstances. When there is a power outage, the standby power supply should be adjusted in time, and the power generation drill should be maintained once a week to ensure safe production.
4.5 Observe the temperature difference of the chicken house through each area of the chicken house
Generally, the temperature of the chicken house is divided into 3 parts from the plane, the front, the middle, and the rear, and can also be divided into the top layer and the ground from the three-dimensional. If there is an abnormal temperature in the area, check for abnormal air inlets, wind, etc.