101. Preliminary Evaluation of an Advanced Ventilation-Control Algorithm to Optimise Microclimate in a Commercial Broiler House.
- Author
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Daniel, Kehinde Favour, Choi, Lak-yeong, Lee, Se-yeon, Lee, Chae-rin, Park, Ji-yeon, Park, Jinseon, and Hong, Se-woon
- Subjects
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POULTRY farms , *BROILER chickens , *TEMPERATURE control , *CHICKENS , *ENERGY consumption - Abstract
Simple Summary: Maintaining a good environment for broiler chickens is essential for their health, growth, and welfare. This study developed and tested a new ventilation control algorithm designed to improve the indoor temperature in mechanically ventilated broiler houses. The algorithm calculates the right amount of ventilation needed to maintain optimal conditions. We compared the performance of the new algorithm with the current ventilation control system in a commercial broiler farm. During a high-temperature period, the new algorithm helped reduce indoor temperatures by 1.5 to 2 °C, which led to less heat stress for the chickens. Although the use of cooling pads increased, the electric energy savings from the reduced use of ventilation fans were significant. The new algorithm also reduced chicken mortality by 16.5%, which indicates that it could improve their overall welfare and productivity. This approach could help farmers use energy more efficiently while creating better bird conditions. This study aims to improve the microclimate conditions in a mechanically ventilated broiler house by proposing and evaluating a ventilation-control algorithm based on heat-energy balance analysis. The new algorithm is designed to optimise the ventilation-rate requirement and thereby improve control of the indoor temperature. The analysis of one year of operational data collected at the experimental farm indicates that the current ventilation-control system successfully maintained optimal indoor temperatures for 74% of the time. In contrast, the proposed algorithm has the potential to improve this number significantly (up to 92%). The new algorithm was implemented and evaluated at two broiler houses (control and experimental) starting from day 20 to day 34 during one rearing period under high-temperature conditions. The results confirm that the new algorithm effectively reduced indoor temperatures by 1.5–2 °C during the day, which reduces heat stress significantly. Even though cooling pad usage increased to about eight times, the reduction in tunnel fan usage (to about 52%) led to significant energy savings. Furthermore, broiler mortality was reduced by 16.5%, which means there is also potential for improved productivity. The proposed ventilation control algorithm can effectively enhance microclimate conditions and energy efficiency in broiler production, though longer-term studies are required to fully assess its impact on growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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