MANUFACTURE OF POULTRYDRINKER AND FEEDER
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Views: 5536 Author: LONGMU Publish Time: 2025-05-28 Origin: LONGMU
With the arrival of hot summer weather, the environmental management of chicken farms faces severe challenges. Suitable environmental conditions are the key factor to ensure the healthy growth and high yield of chickens. This article will comprehensively introduce the professional knowledge and practical skills of summer chicken farms in temperature, humidity control, use of ventilation equipment and drinking water management, helping farmers to effectively cope with various challenges in the hot season.
1. Chicken farm temperature standards and control methods
1.1 Temperature standard requirements
Chickens at different growth stages have different temperature requirements:
- Chicks (0-3 weeks old): 32-35°C (first week), then reduce 2-3°C per week
- Growing chickens (4-15 weeks old): 21-27°C
- Laying hens: 18-24°C (optimum temperature 21°C)
- Broilers: 18-21°C
When the ambient temperature exceeds 28°C, chickens will begin to experience heat stress; when it exceeds 32°C, heat stress will seriously affect the feed intake, growth rate and egg production rate of chickens.
1.2 Practical methods of temperature control
1. 2.1 Physical cooling system
- Wet curtain cooling system: can reduce the air temperature entering the chicken house by 5-8°C, which is one of the most effective cooling methods
- Spray cooling system: suitable for open chicken houses, removes heat through fine mist evaporation
- Roof spraying: reduce roof temperature and reduce radiant heat input
1.2.2 Building insulation measures
- Use 10-15cm thick polystyrene or polyurethane foam board as roof insulation layer
- Paint the roof with high reflectivity white paint, which can reduce the surface temperature by more than 10°C
- Plant tall trees on the west side of the chicken house to reduce direct sunlight in the afternoon
1.2.3 Management adjustment
- Adjust feeding time and feed 60% of the daily diet in the cool time of morning and evening
- Increase night light for 1-2 hours to promote night feeding
- Reduce stocking density by 10-15% to reduce heat generation of chickens
2. Humidity standards and control methods for chicken farms
2.1 Humidity standard range
Relative humidity in the chicken house should be maintained between 50-70%, with slight differences in different stages:
- Brooding period: 60-70% (slightly higher in the first 3 days)
- Growth period: 50-60%
- Egg-laying period: 50-60%
When humidity exceeds 75% and temperature is above 28°C, chickens have difficulty dissipating heat and are prone to heat stress; when humidity is below 40%, it will cause respiratory problems and high dust environment.
2.2 Key technologies for humidity control
2.2.1 Countermeasures for high humidity
- Ensure that the ventilation system is running at full capacity and increase the air exchange rate
- Check the drinking water system and repair all leaks (a dripping nipple drinker can waste 3 liters of water per day)
- Use hygroscopic materials such as quicklime (1 kg per square meter can absorb about 0.3 kg of moisture)
- Remove wet litter and keep the ground dry
2.2.2 Improvement methods for low humidity
- Add a spray device to the ventilation system (be careful to avoid causing moisture on the ground)
- Appropriately reduce ventilation volume to maintain minimum ventilation requirements
- Sprinkle water in the aisle (avoid directly spraying on the chickens and litter)
2.2.3 Monitoring and early warning
- Install a multi-point digital hygrometer (the height from the ground is consistent with the head height of the chicken when standing)
- Set up a humidity alarm system (automatically alarm when it is higher than 75% or lower than 40%)
- Record humidity data at least 3 times a day (morning, noon and evening)
3. Scientific use of ventilation system and wet curtain
3.1 Ventilation system optimization plan
3.1.1 Longitudinal ventilation configuration
- The fan exhaust volume should reach the wind speed in the house of 1.5-2.0 m/s
- The air inlet area should be 2-2.5 times the fan area
- The temperature difference of a 100-meter-long chicken house should be controlled within 2°C
3.1.2 Tunnel ventilation management
- When the temperature exceeds 28°C, start all fans
- Ensure that the airflow passes evenly throughout the chicken house (you can use a smoke test to check)
- Avoid airflow blowing directly to the chickens (especially chicks)
3.1.3 Mixed ventilation strategy
- Use horizontal ventilation in the early morning and evening
- Switch to longitudinal ventilation during the high temperature period at noon
- Keep some fans running at night to maintain basic ventilation needs
3.2 Efficient use guide of wet curtain system
3.2.1 Installation points
- The area of the wet curtain should be 1.8-2 times the cross-sectional area of the chicken house
- The thickness of the wet curtain is preferably 15cm, and the water absorption rate should be above 90%
- Avoid direct sunlight when installing (preferably on the shady side)
3.2.2 Operation parameters
- The water temperature is controlled at 20-25°C (groundwater needs to be cooled first)
- The water flow rate should be 6-12L/min·m²
- Start time: start when the temperature is continuously higher than 28°C
3.2.3 Maintenance
- Clean the water circulation system once a week
- Check the blockage of the wet curtain pores every month (the light transmittance should be above 80%)
- Drain thoroughly in winter to prevent freezing, and disinfect before use in spring
4. Key management points of the drinking water system
4.1 Scientific management of nipple drinkers
4.1.1 Height adjustment standard
- Chicks: flush with the eyes
- Growing chickens: 2-3cm higher than the back
- Adult chickens: Chickens drink water at a 45° angle when standing naturally
4.1.2 Water pressure control parameters
- Chicks: 5-10cm water column
- Growth period: 10-20cm water column
- Adult chickens: 20-30cm water column
(Water output per minute: 20ml for chicks, 70ml for adult chickens)
4.1.3 Inspection and maintenance
- Check all nipple drinkers daily to see if they are unobstructed (5% blockage rate means system cleaning is required)
- Flush pipes with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution every week
- Replace damaged nipples every month (usually 2-3 years of service life)
4.2 Measures to strengthen drinking water during high temperature periods
4.2.1 Water quality management
- Water temperature is controlled at 20-25°C (ice can be added to the underground water tank to cool it down)
- Test the pH value (6.5-7.5), E. coli (<50cfu/ml) and total dissolved solids (<1000ppm) in water daily
4.2.2 Nutritional supplementation
- Add 0.1-0.2% electrolytes (including potassium, sodium, bicarbonate)
- Increase the amount of vitamin C added to 150-200mg/L water
- Avoid adding perishable nutrients (such as sugars) to water
4.2.3 Water supply guarantee
- Add 1-2 spare water tanks (capacity to meet 8 hours of demand)
- Check the water line flow rate (at least 100ml per minute at the end)
- Prepare emergency generators to ensure continuous operation of water pumps
5. Comprehensive management recommendations
5.1 Daily monitoring system
- Establish a temperature-humidity index (THI) monitoring table:
Danger level THI value Countermeasures
--------- --------- --------------------------
Warning 72-79 Increase ventilation and prepare wet curtains
Danger 80-89 Start all cooling systems
Emergency ≥90 Take emergency measures (such as spray)
- Record the behavior of the flock (mouth breathing ratio, changes in feed intake)
5.2 Emergency treatment plan
- Prepare backup generators and key equipment wearing parts
- Train employees to identify heat stress symptoms (wings open, shortness of breath)
- Develop a high temperature emergency treatment plan with veterinarians (including appropriate use of antipyretics)
5.3 Long-term improvement plan
- Comprehensively upgrade the cooling system during the off-season every year
- Introduce an automated environmental control system (the payback period is usually 2-3 years)
- Gradually update to energy-saving equipment (such as variable frequency fans)
Summer chicken farm management is a systematic project that requires farmers to comprehensively consider multiple factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation and drinking water. Through scientific environmental control and meticulous daily management, not only can the impact of high temperature on the flock be reduced, but also production performance can be maintained or even improved. It is recommended that farmers provide regular technical training to their employees, establish comprehensive environmental monitoring records, and gradually improve breeding facilities according to their own conditions to create a more comfortable growth environment for the chickens and ultimately maximize economic benefits.
