Adverse effects

ADVERSE EFFECTS

  • Chick mortality due to lowered temperature.
  • Most of the energy used by the birds maintain their body heat, thus retarding its growth.
  • Combs become cyanotic
  • Birds do not reach peak production during the expected period.
  • Sexual maturity is delayed in pullets and these birds turn out to be poor layers.
  • Birds consume more feed to maintain body temperature.
  • More moisture is retained in winter due to less evaporation and creates dampness in the house.
  • If the overhang is not long enough rain water can splash in and cause a wet litter problem.
  • Houses must be built on an elevated ground to prevent stagnation of water, which in turn cause severe disease problems.
  • A lower environmental temperature increases oxygen consumption, blood pressures and thyroid size.
  • Cooler temperatures are immunosuppressive and thus predispose birds to infectious agents endemic in that environment.
  • Respiratory infections like CRD, infectious bronchitis, avian influenza and coryza etc. compromise the lung capacity and therefore reduce the oxygen supply through the lungs.
Last modified: Sunday, 3 June 2012, 6:19 AM