Long-Term Empirical Study of Broiler House Microclimate Under Different Heating Systems: Implications for Sustainable Poultry Production

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Abstract
One of the most important factors affecting broiler production efficiency is providing appropriate indoor microclimatic conditions, which are significantly influenced by the heating system used. This study presents the results of long-term experimental investigations conducted in two buildings equipped with different heating systems. One of the buildings was equipped with a wall heating system supported by air heaters, while the other was equipped with an underfloor heating system During the winter production cycle, the indoor air temperature in the initial period ranged from 27.2 to 33.2 °C with the underfloor heating system and from 31.9 to 40.0 °C with the conventional radiator-based system. Even greater differences were observed in floor surface temperature, which ranged from 28.0 to 31.4 °C and from 11.0 to 22.0 °C, respectively. In the building with the underfloor heating system, the relative air humidity fluctuated from 43.1% to 66.8%, while in the building without an underfloor heating system, it ranged from 20.3% to 58.6%. During the first week of the winter production cycle, the use of underfloor heating reduced broiler mortality by 77.3%. These findings provide a basis for further research on heat and moisture transfer processes and can support the development and modernization of energy-efficient heating systems in livestock buildings. The results contribute to current efforts toward the sustainable development of poultry production by improving environmental control and enhancing energy efficiency.
Funding Information
  • Uniwersytet Rolniczy im. Hugona Kołłątaja w Krakowie (Subvention 030001-D014 Environmental Engineering, Mining and Energy)

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