Avaliação do conforto térmico de frangos de corte dos 21 aos 28 dias através do índice de temperatura e umidade - ITU

Abstract

Poultry farming is a sector that is constantly evolving, with more technologies that help producers without affecting animal welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of broilers in the last week (21 to 28 days). The aviary was located inside the Campus of the UTFPR-DV and divided into four portions (initial 1, medium 2, medium 3, and final 4) evaluated during eight days in three distinct hours (8:00, 12:00 and 4:00 p.m.) for two lots. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured through a thermocouple meter at eight points per portion by the same evaluator. These environmental variables were used to calculate the Temperature and Humidity Index (ITU). Statistical software R was used, in which days, hours and portions were compared. The days did not influence the thermal comfort of the birds, only the portion and the hours that affected the greater or lesser ITU. The animals were within the range of independent thermal comfort of the day. The final portions of the aviary were the ones that had the greatest discomfort.