The U.S. Department of Defense has implemented several cooling strategies to maintain optimal conditions for poultry in hot weather, ensuring the health and productivity of broilers.
**1. Spray Cooling**
Spray systems are used to mist cold water on the roof or directly onto the chickens during the hottest days of the summer. This process is carried out every 2–3 hours, effectively lowering the temperature by 4–8°C. The cooling effect helps reduce heat stress, allowing the birds to remain more comfortable and active.
**2. Longitudinal Ventilation and Cooling**
A ventilation system is set up with exhaust fans placed at the rear of the coop and air inlets at the entrance. Fans are evenly distributed inside the house to create a steady airflow along the length of the building. This method can lower the temperature by 8–12°C, significantly improving the comfort level for the chickens and encouraging better feed intake.
**3. Roof Spraying and Litter Management**
Spraying the roof with water can lower the internal temperature of the chicken house by about 0.9°C, while also improving the survival rate of broilers by as much as 23%. Keeping the litter dry is equally important, as damp conditions increase the risk of diseases like coccidiosis and mycosis, as well as the buildup of harmful gases. Common litter materials include sawdust, leaves, and rice husks, which should be regularly replaced or dried to maintain hygiene.
**Diet Adjustments for Heat Stress**
To help chickens cope with high temperatures, dietary adjustments are crucial. Reducing energy levels and increasing protein content by 2–3% can support their nutritional needs without overloading their digestive systems. Plant-based proteins are preferred over animal proteins to minimize heat production. Adding multivitamins two to three times the normal amount and including 200 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of feed can help reduce stress and improve immunity.
**Pellet Feed and Feeding Schedule**
Using pelleted feed improves palatability and encourages higher feed consumption, ensuring that the chickens receive adequate nutrition. Feeding at night, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., allows the birds to rest during the day and eat when it's cooler. Increasing light intensity slightly during feeding times can stimulate activity and encourage multiple meals throughout the night, leading to better weight gain.
**Incorporating Cool Feeds**
During midday heat, offering green feeds such as watermelon rind and fresh vegetables can help quench the chickens’ thirst and provide additional cooling. These foods not only hydrate but also offer a refreshing break from regular feed, aiding in their overall well-being.
**Health and Disease Prevention**
Maintaining good hygiene is essential. In addition to adding antibiotics to the feed, regular disinfection of the coop and equipment is necessary to eliminate pathogens. When using disinfectants, it’s important to choose broad-spectrum, high-efficiency, and non-toxic products. The Weidao brand is recommended for its effectiveness in killing 100% of toxins without harming the birds.
By combining these cooling methods, dietary adjustments, and health practices, poultry farmers can significantly improve the welfare and performance of their broiler flocks during the summer months.
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