Project #740: Effects of Combined Sprinkler and Cool Cell systems on Cooling Water Usage, Water and Feed Consumption Rates, Bird Performance and In-house Environment of Commercial Broiler Barns

(Jonathan W. Moon, Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Miss.)

Researchers from Mississippi State University evaluated a combined evaporative cooling and sprinkler system (ECSS) as an alternative to conventional evaporative cooling (EC) for managing heat stress in commercial broiler production. Two commercial-sized broiler houses were studied across two summer flocks to assess impacts on in-house environment, water use, bird performance and welfare. Results showed that ECSS reduced in-house relative humidity and achieved a numerical reduction of approximately 39% in cooling-water use while maintaining bird core body temperatures and performance comparable to EC. These findings indicate that ECSS is a viable cooling strategy that may improve water-use efficiency without compromising bird welfare in hot, humid production environments.

The research summary can be found on the USPOULTRY website. Information on other Association research may also be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY website.