LPM 221: Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management (1+1)

ALLEVIATING MEASURES

• Provide clean litter material and increase the thickness of litter.
• Provide good ventilation but prevent chill air from entering in.
• Seal all the cracks and crevices in the house.
• Remove all leaking waterers and repair leaky roofs.
• The overhang must be 4-6 feet in length to withstand wind and to prevent rain water from splashing inside.
• The roof height should be lowered.
• Asbestos roof may be used as they hold the warmth within the house.
• Side curtains can be used during severe winds and draft thus sealing the house from cold draft.
• Ceiling fans may be used to move hot air from the ceiling towards the birds.
• Place plastic sheets over exhaust fans which will not be used during cold weather.
• Solar heaters can be used and the energy stored and this can be used to warm the house.
• The time period for brooding chicks in cold weather will be extended to even 4 to 6 weeks.
• Oil or fat can be added to feed and energy levels in the feed can be raised to meet the higher energy need of the bird.
• Extra vitamins and minerals have to be supplemented.
• Both vitamin C and vitamin E can be given to increase the immune response.
• The feeders should always be full.
• Provide warm water to the birds.
• Prevent spilling of water on the litter.
• Increase the stocking density by 5%.
• A gable type of roof or a full monitor roof would be ideal.
  • In temperate countries, environmentally controlled poultry houses are in vogue. These houses are heated by electricity or gas.
  • The blower blows in warm air and fans circulate the warm air, all this is thermostatically controlled.
  • Gas pressures are checked, inlets and outlets open uniformly to keep the birds comfortable.
  • Ventilation is adjusted to remove excess ammonia and to prevent increased fuel usage.