Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version. If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options. Effects of Stocking Density and Group Size on Heat and Moisture Production of Laying Hens under Thermoneutral and Heat Challenging ConditionsPublished by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org Citation: Livestock Environment VIII, 31 August – 4 September 2008, Iguassu Falls, Brazil 701P0408.(doi:10.13031/2013.25555)Authors: Angela R Green, Hongwei Xin Keywords: Cage-layer, Sensible heat production (SHP), Latent heat production (LHP), Moisture production (MP), Total heat production (THP), Ventilation, Design, Welfare Current and relevant information regarding heat and moisture production (HMP) of laying hens is important for design and operation of ventilation systems for commercial layer housing. Different stocking densities are being adopted by the cage layer industry, but there is a lack of information concerning the potential impacts of these changes on environmental control. A study was conducted with 24 groups of 48 hens (39 to 46 weeks old) to compare HMP, via indirect calorimetry, for four different stocking densities (348, 387, 465, or 581 cm2/bird; 54, 60, 72, or 90 in2/bird) and two group sizes (8 or 16 birds/cage). Data were collected at thermoneutral (24oC or 76oF) and heat challenging conditions (32oC or 90oF and 35oC or 95oF). No notable differences in HMP were observed among the treatments under the experimental conditions (2.8 to 3.1, 3.5 to 3.7, and 6.4 to 6.6 W/kg 24-h time weighted mean room-level SHP, LHP or MP, and THP, respectively, under 24oC; 0.7 to 1.0, 4.9 to 5.2, and 5.6 to 6.1 W/kg under 32oC; and -1.0 to -0.4, 5.9 to 6.5, and 5.4 to 5.7 W/kg under 35oC). The results imply that for existing laying-hen houses, reducing stocking density and thus flock size may lead to difficulties maintaining desired temperatures without compromising air quality during cold weather, but may offer benefits for heat stress prevention and relief during hot weather. (Download PDF) (Export to EndNotes)
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