EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION The Effect of Different Levels of Relative Humidity and Air Movement on Litter Conditions, Ammonia Levels, Growth, and Carcass Quality for Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT An experiment using 4,800 commercial broiler males (Ross x Ross) was conducted in 12 climatic chambers. Three levels of relative humidity (RH) (45,40 to 80, and 75 %) and two levels of internal air circulation (7.7 to 9.9 and 17.8 to 24.5 cm/s), with each level replicated and, therefore, forming a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, were imposed as the main effects. Broilers were group weighed and feed efficiencies calculated at 14, 28, and 42 days of age. Percentage dry matter of the litter and a subjective evaluation of general litter conditions (moisture and caking) were scored weekly, with the percentage nitrogen and total quantity of litter produced in each chamber measured at the conclusion of the study. Ammonia levels were measured in each chamber every second day. A sample of birds (36) from each chamber was processed at 42 days and scored for litter spots and ammonia bums on the breast and for the incidence and severity of twisted legs, crooked toes, and infected and calloused hocks and foot pads. Mean body weight was significantly greater (32 g) at 42 days of age in birds exposed to 45 % RH compared with the two higher regimens of RH. Both the incidence and severity of ammonia burns on the breast and infected foot pads were significantly higher with 75 versus 45 % RH. Increases in RH significantly increased caking and litter moisture and reduced the percentage of dry matter and the percentage of nitrogen found in the litter. Ammonia levels were more variable but generally increased with increases in RH. The two levels of air movement within the chambers produced less influence on the environment than RH, although the scores for both litter moisture and caking were significantly lower with increased levels of internal air circulation. {Key words: broilers, relative humidity, air movement, breast and leg defects, litter conditions