Heat stress is the most important factor affecting poultry production: extreme temperatures obviously affect the birds very much resulting in high mortality rates and in loss of productivity. Anyway, already in correspondence with hot temperatures, that are typical during summer, we register losses in eggs production as well as a general disease.
There is a negative relationship between temperatures and the amount of feed eaten. The reduced intake of energy is often associated with a limited growth. When birds are under heat stress, their bodies react with a feed reduction. When feed consumption is reduced, also the metabolic substrates and the energy useful for metabolism are limited with positive consequences in heat production.
Some studies show that eggs production has been reduced by up to 8% when temperatures rise from 21 to 32°C.
In the specific case of laying hens, the physiological data we registered in condition of heat stress have a particular importance in the egg quality parameters: from one side the reduction of egg size and on the other shell’s thickness and rigidity (internal and external) are also worsen.
A study was conducted to examine the effect of high temperatures male chicken fertility: semen volume was reduced by 50% compared to males exposed to 21°C. Fertility was also reduced by 28% under heat stress which underline the importance of alleviating heat stress in males particularly during the breeding season.
There are many different ways to minimize the heat stress. In general, this goal can be achieved through proper equipment, with a right feeding and with abundant water administration.
Surely, air movement is one of the most effective solutions for refreshing the shed during the hot period: air flow eliminates excessive heat from the animal producing a fresh feeling (also called “windchill effect”), but also to ensure the proper supply of oxygen and eliminate metabolic substances such as moisture, ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Termotecnica Pericoli creates products that can solve the problem of excessive heat and relieve heat stress in poultry. Combining the quality of “Made in Italy” with a 50-year experience and a R & D department equipped with the latest technology, we have developed a range of exhaust fans that achieve excellent – and certified – performances with regards to efficiency and energy consumption.
The fans are available in both the standard wall version – in different models and sizes – and in the conical one. Also the evaporative cooling pad PERIcool is totally manufactured in Italy in a highly automated process and by using special odorless resins. Based on the simple physical principle of adiabatic cooling, it is the perfect combination between ease of use, reliability and low operating costs, making it the perfect solution for solving the problem of excessive heat in large environments.
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