Evaluation of Microclimate Parameters, the Interdependence Between Them on Two Types of Bedding in the Broiler Houses

Abstract

The research was carried out in broiler houses coming from a commercial broiler farm. Two consecutive series of broiler were followed for each of the specific housing conditions in terms of bedding quality: straw: series 1 and 2 in shelter H4 and bedding mixture: ¼ straw and the rest sawdust for series 1 and 2 housed in shelter H10. The microclimate parameters were monitored daily in three different areas, the value of the three readings representing the average. To reduce the pH of the bedding and inclusive of the removal of ammonia resulting from the degradation of organic matter in the bedding, it is returned 2-3 times a week. The results reveal that: there are no exceedances of the values in terms of physical parameters of microclimate, between them there are extremely significant correlations (positive or negative). The correlation between the temperature of the straw bedding and the carbon dioxide in the shelter air is extremely significant and insignificant at the level of the mixed bedding. The pH of the bedding has lower values in the case of the straw ¼+ sawdust mixture by turning the bedding 2-3 times a week. The temperature value at the bedding level is lower in the case of straw compared to the mixture of straw ¼+ sawdust (29.69±2.38 0C - 26.35±2.64 0C), which entails significant differences (*P<0.05). Between the quality of the bedding in terms of pH and the amount of ammonia monitored at the level of the houses, there is an extremely close negative relationship: (-0.83*** ppm NH3), straw bedding and (-0.96*** ppm NH3) straw ¼+ sawdust mixture bedding. Conclusion: keeping the microclimate parameters under control by ensuring the necessary air volume, monitoring the pollutants but also the physical microclimate parameters, regular return of bedding have as a result low mortality rate and low percentage of ammonia burns which denotes ensuring good welfare conditions.