Temperature Management is a vital factor in Broiler production. Make sure that temperatures are kept to the optimum at all time during brooding and growing stage.

In the hot summer months, the farmer is required to lower the temperatures to levels that are conducive for the growing birds. For Farms that have open- sided housing, there are a number of options available that can be utilized to lower the temperatures. The farmer could either maximise natural airflow within the pen, use shading techniques or take advantage of the cooling effects of evaporation.

Airflow and Ventilation

• The curtains covering the side wall openings must be removed completely to allow proper flow of air.
• Fans can be installed within the pen to keep air circulating at bird level.
• Use baffle boards to direct air down to the level of the birds to maximise ventilation.

Shading and House Orientation

• The poultry house must be constructed with its long axis running east to west to avoid the direct midday and afternoon sun beaming straight through the open side walls.
• Make sure that the poultry house roof over- hangs enough to provide cover from the hot sun.
• Plant trees or set up shade- cloth shelters around the perimeter to help cool the surrounding air before it enters the house.

Active cooling methods

• Use high pressure or low-pressure misters to lower the temperatures through water evaporation.
• Make sure that drinking water is kept cool and clean at all times by painting the overhead water tanks white to reflect sunlight and flushing lines regularly.

In conclusion, we can look at some good management practices that help to reduce the effects of hot weather on the broilers. The following are some of these practices.

• Feed birds during cooler hours of the day such as early in the morning and late in the evening. This will reduce internal metabolic heat production.
• Reduce the stocking density to give birds extra floor space during hot spells so they can spread out and lose body temperature more easily.
• Keep litter dry and loose because high humidity will compound heat.

For more information, please contact Barbara M Simbaya, Technical Advisor, Tiger Animal Feeds at +26(0)96-920-2207 or Barbara.mulonda@tigerfeeds.com.zm