Poultry
JUN 2 01989
Housing Facilities
Agdex No. 450/721-1
/dlbcna
AGRICULTURE
Engineering and
Rural Services Division
Copies of this publication may be obtained from:
Print Media Branch
Alberta Agriculture
7000 - 1 1 3 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6
OR
Alberta Agriculture's district offices
Revised 1989 04 (1M)
Poultry Housing Facilities
Wayne Winchell
Regional Agricultural Engineer
Barrhead
/dlberia
AGRICULTURE
Engineering and Rural Services Division
t
#
890751
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
A. Site Selection 1
B. Building Construction 1
C. Insulation 1
D. Ventilation Systems 2
E. Heating Systems 6
BROILER HOUSING 8
A. Barn Construction 8
B. Manure System 9
C. Heating and Ventilation 9
D. Lighting 11
E. Feeding and Watering 12
BREEDER FLOCKS 14
A. Barn Construction 14
B. Manure System 14
C. Heating and Ventilation 15
D. Lighting 16
E. Feeding and Watering Systems 16
F. Nests 16
LAYING FLOCKS 18
A. Barn Construction 18
B. Manure Systems 19
C. Ventilation and Heating 21
D. Feeding and Watering Systems 21
E. Lighting 21
F. Cages 23
G. Egg Handling 23
TURKEYS 25
A. Barn Construction 25
B. Manure System 26
C. Ventilation and Heating 26
D. Lighting 26
E. Feeding and Watering Systems 27
F. Nests 27
INTRODUCTION
A. SITE SELECTION
Regardless of the type of poultry production being
considered, a relatively large building site is required.
Future expansion should always be considered in order to
allow for increased quota allotments. The proposed
building site should be reasonably level to accommodate
manure handling, feed handling, egg handling, etc. Having
all farm buildings elevated in a similar manner will make it
easier to tie the systems together later on. Good drainage
away from the buildings is also required to prevent
seepage into manure pits and the rapid deterioration of the
building itself.
Depending on the number of barns and the desired layout,
space must be provided between the barns for proper
ventilation, fire safety, and snow and wind control. A
distance of 1 5 to 30 m (50 to 1 00 ft) is usually adequate
and still practical.
roofing system to suit truss spacing (2J
roof trusses @ 600 or 1200 mm oc,
depending on roof snow load and truss
design
friction-fit glass fibre insulation, RSI-
3.5 or better
38 X 89 mm ceiling gii-ts (a 1200 mm oc
38 X 64 mm filler blocking between girts
^4^ at trusses
M12 bolt, truss to pole; or galv. steel
nailing anchor, truss to plate
notch poles for 2-38 x 235 x 4800 mm
plate beam joints staggered 2400 mm
at poles (23^
50 mm vent slot, galv. bird screen, for
attic ventilation
angle flashing 50 x 50 mm, bent from
galv. steel
polyethylene vapour barrier
9 mm exterior select sheathing plywood
face grain across framing, galv. roofing
nails to framing
38 X 140 mm studs (S 600 mm oc
38 X 140 mm girts fitted (a 600 mm oc
between poles 1^3) , bottom girt CCA-
pressure-treated
14 asphalt felt windproof ing; sheet metal
exterior cladding with corrugations
across the framing, nailed or screwed
beside the ribs
optional perimeter insulation and
asbestos board
38 X 140 x 4800 mm CC A-pressure-
treated tongue and groove planking, end
joints staggered 2400 mm at (^3)
38 X 140 mm CCA- treated sill
50 mm polystyrene tacked with
finishing nails to concrete form before
placing concrete; after stripping forms,
cover with 5 mm recompressed high-
density cement-asbestos board nailed to
sill (17) under siding (14)
concrete foundation, 15M rebars
continuous top and bottom, M12
anchor bolts 1200 mm oc
gravel perimeter, or use eavestroughing
below frost, or add horizontal perimeter
insulation with shallow footing and heat
continuously
rodent stop, galv. hardware cloth nailed
to (l^
89 X 140 mm pressure-treated sawn
wood pole (a 2400 mm oc
400 mm diam. concrete footing under
poles ^3) , increase diam. for wider
building spans and softer soils
100 mm footing drain tile or tubing to
outlet, if drainage is poor
25
Figure la - Insulated stud-frame wall construction Figure lb - Insulated post-frame wall construction
1
B. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Stud wall, shallow concrete foundation, clear span truss
rafter and pole frame, clear span truss rafter as shown In
Figure 1, are the two construction types most frequently
found in poultry buildings.
Another modification of a pole frame building is shown in
Figure 2. This style provides an insulated roof rather than
an insulated celing. This type of pole frame building, along
with a rigid frame (Figure 3) or a wooden arch-rib building
(Figure 4), can easily accommodate the air distribution
tubes required for a positive-pressure ventilation system.
An insulated pole frame building is considered the most
economical form of construction. The insulated stud wall
and rigid frame construction are next, with the insulated
wooden arch-rib being the most expensive. At current
prices, there is only about a 5% cost difference between
each of these but this may be worth considering.
' 2400
Figure 2 - Post-frame building with insulated roof
plywood gusset
leg
Figure 3 - Rigid frame building
door framing as per
manufacturer's directions
arch rafters
foundation designed for horizontal thrust
Figure 4 - Wooden arch building
2
C. INSULATION
Adequate insulation and correct insulation placement are
of primary concern in poultry buildings. Insulation is
required for the foundation, walls, and ceiling to minimize
building heat loss. This insulation must be properly placed
between studs and joists to eliminate cold spots and
consequent wet spots on the inside of the building. Barns
should be built to accommodate RSI 1 .4 (R8) foundation
insulation, RSI 3.5 (R20) wall insulation, and RSI 3.5 to 5.3
{R20 to R30) ceiling insulation. With existing ventilation
systems up to 85% of the total winter heat loss is through
the ventilation system. Therefore, the prime area to try to
minimize heat losses would be the ventilation system
rather than adding more insulation to the building. This
could possibly be done with a heat exchanger unit. These
units are fairly expensive but will probably become more
economical as the price of fuel increases.
The types of insulation most commonly used in barn
construction are the rigid polystyrene boards for the
foundations, fibreglass batts for the walls, and either
fibreglass batts or cellulose fibre blown-in insulation for
the ceiling. Rodent damage to the building can be
minimized if care is taken in sealing any wall openings,
especially those at the bottom.
The insulated structure must be carefully and totally lined
with a polyethylene vapor barrier on the warm side of the
wall. This will prevent moisture penetration into the
insulation. The interior can then be sheathed with either
plywood or metal for a durable inside finish.
D. VENTILATION SYSTEMS
Negative Pressure
Most poultry buildings use negative pressure systems. That
is, exhaust fans expel air from the barn, creating an
interior vacuum which draws fresh air into the building.
A. With inlet open too
wide, lazy stream of
cold air sinks to
floor causing cold
draft
The exhaust fans must have the capacity to handle large
volumes of air required in the summer, and lower rates for
other seasons. Air distribution and mixing within the barn
is controlled by the air inlet or baffle system. A well
constructed air inlet baffle that can be adjusted to maintain
a desired velocity of 4 to 5 m/sec (800 to 1000 ft/min) is
required. This is achieved by providing 1 .0 m^ to 1 .25 m^ of
inlet area for each 5000 L/sec of fan capacity (or providing
1 .0 ft2 to 1 .25 ft2 per 1 000 cfm). This velocity is very
critical, especially in colder temperatures, to ensure good
air mixing, and to prevent drafts. Figure 5 illustrates this
principle. Construction details are shown in Figure 6.
Positive Pressure
A positive ventilation system is one in which fans force
fresh air into the barn causing a slight pressure. This
pressure forces the moisture-laden exhaust air out through
the exhaust ports. Some systems also incorporate wall
exhaust fans for summer conditions since the pressurizing
fans do not have the capacity to meet summer ventilation
requirements. The main advantage of the positive pressure
system is that it provides excellent air distribution
throughout the building. Air distribution ducts, together
with the air blending features provide continuous air
circulation regardless of the air exchange rate. The air
exchange rate is controlled by the proportion of "fresh"
versus "recirculated" air, while total air flow is constant.
One of the disadvantages of this type of ventilation system
is that unless a well sealed vapor barrier is provided,
moisture can be forced into the insulation, reducing its
effectiveness. Another disadvantage of the combined tube
and exhaust fan system is the difficulty in controlling the
ventilation rate. This occurs when one system is trying to
push air into the building, and the other is trying to pull it
out.
Figure 7 shows one method of installing a totally positive
pressure ventilation system. Sufficient fan capacity for
summer ventilation must be provided; as many as four
tubes may be required to achieve this.
1^ WARM AIR
<
B. With inlet
adjusted correctly,
high-velocity cold
air sweeps the ceiling
and mixes with warm air
Figure 5 - Control the air velocity and mixing effects by adjusting the fresh air inlet slot
3
A Inlet at side wall
B Inlet through ceiling
Figure 6a Self -adjusting slot air inlets from CPS Plan M-9715
A - fresh air In
B - stale air out
Figure 7 - A positive pressure ventilation system C - recirculated air
4
300
- 400 -
600 ,
(12"
- 16" -
24") "i
®
®
®
®
®
rectangular duct made from 12.5 mm
(1 2 in.) plywood
bottom secured with cornice hooks; for
cleaning duct, turn hooks 1 2 turn and
remove bottom
recirculation air holes: see text for size
and spacing
counterweighted inlet baffle; cut two from
38 X 600 mm (1.5 x 24 in.) styrofoam SM
shiplap; 3x3 mm saw kerf secures (4^
to J-strip (b)
25 X 100 mm (1x4 in.l styrofoam
insulation strip
(e) prepainted steel J-strip, hinge for
(7} counterweight; concrete-filled 341 mL
aluminum beer can with 5 16 in. plated
threaded rod 450 mm (18 in.) long; use
one counterweight for each 1200 mm of
inlet
(s) plated washer brazewelded to slot in head
of stove bolt, plywood washers glued top
and bottom
(9) slot extends hole (T) to allow free swing
of baffle (4^ and counterweight (j^
@ end stop of 25 mm (1 in.) styrofoam and
nailed in place
Figure 6b Details of recirculation duct and intergrated self-adjusting fresh air inlet
Figure 8 - Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation systems may be considered for turkey,
duck, or goose housing although mechanical'ventilation is
often used. If a natural ventilation system were to be
installed, a continuous ridge vent constructed similar to
Figure 8 would be required. A continuous 35 mm (IVs in.)
opening under each eave is also required for air inlets.
These inlets should be adjustable to provide up to 150 mm
(6 in.) of opening for spring and fall ventilation. Summer
ventilation would require large hinged drop panels or
removable panels in the wall to make sure there is an
adequate air flow.
E. HEATING SYSTEMS
The most common heating system used in poultry barns is
hot water boiler which uses black iron pipe as the heat
radiator (Figure 9). Water temperatures of 93 to 98°C (200
to 208°F) result in approximately 200 watts/m (200
BTU/hr-ft) of pipe. The length of 50 mm (2 in.) black iron
pipe needed to provide sufficient heat for the barn will be
the total heat required divided by 200 watts/m. This type
of heating system is more expensive to install than a
forced air system. However, it does not require a filter; it
requires lower maintenance; it runs more efficiently; it is a
clean source of heat; it does not interfere with the
ventilation system; and it distributes the heat evenly
throughout the poultry barn. A variation of this is using fan
assisted hot water radiators spaced down the barn. This
may improve air circulation.
A forced air system (Figure 10) may be more economical
than a hot water system in smaller operations such as
small laying barns. However, it is a high maintenance heat
source because of the recirculated dust and moisture.
A gas-fired, hooded brooder (Figure 1 1) can also be more
practical than hot water for a small broiler operation, but it
adds extra moisture to the air and it constitutes a greater
fire hazard. It is a low cost system.
Gas-fired intra-red radiant tube heaters (Figure 12), may
have limited applications in some livestock buildings. They
use the heat of combustion from several flame units to
heat a length of pipe which radiates the heat onto the
birds. The system only provides heat and comfort to the
birds and does not provide heat to warm the barn air
(except for some re-radiation from the warmed surfaces).
Consequently, some moisture build-up in the barn occurs
Figure 9 - Boiler and expansion tank
Fan motor ij;/!
connection
Drain trap
•^Thermostatically controlled
gas valve
Figure 10 - A forced air heating system
at lower temperatures (below -20°C, (-4°F) outside). This is
caused by ventilation rates being reduced to nnaintain a
reasonable inside barn temperature. An infra-red radiant
tube heater is comparable in cost to a hot water heating
system, but has a lower fuel consumption rate. This is
because it heats a surface rather than a whole building.
As previously mentioned, heat exchangers (which recover
waste heat from ventilated air) may become very prominent
in livestock buildings. If the units can recover enough
waste heat to replace the need for a regular heating unit
(such as in some laying barns), they may be a possible
alternative heat source.
BROILER HOUSING
A. BARN CONSTRUCTION
Broiler barns are single or multi-storey barns (Figure 13
and 14) constructed by either the pole-frame or stud-wall
method. Two and three storey barns are becoming popular
because of lower construction costs and heat savings. Barn
construction costs can be reduced by about 15% per floor if
a multi-storey barn is built, and energy costs can be
reduced as much as 20 to 50%, depending on the age of
the broilers. The main disadvantage of two and three
storey barns is the row (or rows) of floor support posts
which have to be worked around during clean-out, as well
as loading problems.
Rigid-frame or wooden arch-rib buildings can also be used
for broiler barns if a high ceiling is needed (i.e. when
mounting a positive pressure-tube ventilation system).
Floor rearing is common in most broiler barns which have
a simple packed clay floor. Straw or shavings are placed on
the floor for litter. Good management of leaking waterers
and proper clean-out is required to maintain the firm clay
base. Disinfection of the clay base after clean-out must
also be done on a regular basis.
Concrete floors are easier to clean but are more costly.
Some operators are installing 19mm (% in.) hot water floor
Figure 13 - General purpose, single storey poultry barn (C.P.S. plan no. 5101)
Figure 14 - Two storey poultry broiler house (C.P.S. plan no. 5318)
8
heating pipe in the sand layers below the concrete floor.
This requires less litter and provides warm, even brooding
conditions. The warm floor helps dry the litter for older
birds so the manure is dry and reasonably odor-free at
clean-out. This is an expensive heating system which must
be carefully controlled, as dehydration of chicks is also
more likely to occur.
An attempt is being made at rearing broilers in cages in
order to increase the number of birds being housed per
square unit of building space, eliminate litter material, and
increase labor efficiency.
Research is being conducted to solve problems associated
with rearing broilers in cages. These problems include:
breast blisters, leg weakness, brittle bones resulting in
broken wings, enlarged feather follicles, and cannibalism.
Most of these conditions have been experienced with floor-
reared broilers but to a lesser degree.
Most cages house 10 to 12 birds allowing about 0.045 m^
(0.5 ft^) per bird. By stacking the cages three or four high,
bird density can be increased considerably. Researchers
have reported that breast blisters can be reduced by the
use of a plastic fabric floor. Problems associated with
skeletal weaknesses (primarily leg weaknesses) may be
solved by the utilization of a diet specially formulated for
raising broilers in cages. It is quite possible that poultry
breeders could develop a bird which is specially adapted to
a cage environment. Debeaking can be used as a means of
controlling cannibalism.
Tests have been conducted with a specially fabricated cage
in which the broilers are both grown and then shipped to
the processing plant. To date, results from these tests are
inconclusive.
Table 1 shows the space necessary in broiler housing to
properly accommodate floor, feed, and water requirements.
TABLE 1
- Floor, Feed and Water Space Requirements -
Broiler Housing
Type of Bird
Floor Space
(per bird)
Feeding Space
(per bird)
Watering Space
(per 100 birds)
Broilers
2 wk (.25 kg)
8 wk (1.7 kg)
0.04 m2
0.07 m2
2.5 cm
7.5 cm
75 cm
1 50 cm (trough)
Roasters
1 1 wk (3 kg)
0.09 m2
7.5 cm
1 50 cm (trough)
100 cm (circular)
NOTE: Table A1
in Appendix A contains the same
information in imperial units of measurement.
B. MANURE SYSTEM
C. HEATING AND VENTILATION
Most manure systems involve the simple cleaning of the
entire floor area with a tractor blade or front-end loader.
Deep-litter pits or shallow scraper pits are used in cage
rearing operations.
Litter is removed from floor barns after every flock. Some
operators are attempting to raise several flocks on the
same litter by using strong disinfection procedures. Odor
levels and disease potential increase, offsetting the cost of
removal and new litter.
The removed litter shoijid be spread on cultivated land and
incorporated as soon as possible. Odor problems associated
with broiler litter are usually not of great concern.
The heating system used in most broiler barns is the hot
water boiler and 50 mm (2 in.) black iron pipes previously
described.
The pipes are usually hung on one wall, running the length
of the barn at about 200 to 300 mm oc (8 to 12 in. oc) as
shown in Figure 1 5.
Zone brooding with a hot water system should be used to
conserve fuel. This might be achieved in a number of ways:
1 . Having the panels of black iron pipe adustably
suspended from the ceiling (lowered for brooding, raised
for general heating) as shown in Figure 16.
9
Figure 15 - Hot water pipes hung on the wall
2. Installing cross-overs and control valves in the wall-
hung heat pipes to provide maximum heat only in one-
half the barn. In conjunction with this, a plastic curtain
or insulated fold-down panels could be installed across
the barn to reduce the barn heat loss (during brooding)
by about 40% (Figure 17).
Gas fired hooded brooders are also used. A typical hooded
brooder arrangement is shown in Figure 18. As the birds
get older, these brooders are raised and can provide the
total heat for the barn or be backed up by another heating
system. Because of open-flame combustion, the extra
moisture which they add to the building then becomes a
disadvantage. They can be a fire hazard if they are not
maintained and operated carefully. Ventilation systems are
typically those described earlier.
1. Cardboard feeders 3. Water jars 5. Brooder guard
2. Hanging feeders 4. Brooder
Figure 18 - Brooder arrangements
Figure 1 6 - Hot water pipes suspended horizontally
Figure 17 - Drop panels or curtains and hot water
pipe crossovers for partial room brooding
10
The minimum ventilation rates given in Table 2 are the
rates required for the removal of moisture from the broiler
barn. According to various literature sources, this rate does
not appear to be adequate to control ammonia gas build-up
in the barn. The ventilation rate required to keep the
ammonia level below 35 ppm (which is the 8-hour
ammonia exposure limit for humans) would have to be
nearly double the minimum ventilation rates given. Some
researchers (Scarborough 1 957 and Lillie 1 970) suggest
that growth rate and feed efficiency are not critically
affected at ammonia concentrations less than 100 ppm.
Work completed by L.E. Carr, University of Maryland, in
1 977 concurs with this, showing that at these two
concentration levels, growth rate, feed efficiency, mortality.
1
D. LIGHTING
Rows of 40 watt incandescent lamps spaced 4 m oc (13 ft
oc) are a common type of installation. Although there are
a number of lighting programs for broiler houses, most
broilers are grown under continuous light from one-day-old
to slaughter age. This lighting method is somewhat
hazardous, however, because in a power failure the flock
could panic when confronted with total darkness for the
first time. Therefore, it is good practice to provide at least
one hour of darkness each day from two days of age to the
end of the growing period.
Recently, some interest has been shown in using
continuous light the first week followed by an intermittent
lighting program (such as three hours of light followed by
one hour of darkness) for the remainder of the growing
period. To use an intermittent lighting program effectively,
11
and eye lesion problems are slightly improved at the lower
ammonia levels (higher ventilation rates). Concentrations
were not a problem at either level. The cost of maintaining
barn temperature at the higher ventilation rate exceeds any
return benefit associated with the lower ammonia levels by
about two times. For practical reasons, ventilation levels
are closer to the rates given.
Winter ventilation rates in negative pressure systems are
usually so low that air circulation and mixing can be
inadequate. This can be improved by hanging at least two
circulating fans from the ceiling. These fans set up an air
circulation pattern within the barn and help eliminate
drafts, dead air pockets, and temperature stratification.
it is essential that the building be blacked out to prevent
entry of light through doors or ventilation openings. If you
are using a continuous lighting program with good results,
do not switch from it without first consulting a poultry
specialist.
Most broilers are maintained on fairly high light intensity
of 10 to 20 lux (1 to 2 foot candles, which is equivalent to
40 to 80 watts per 18 m^ of floor area) the first week, so
that young chicks will be able to locate feed and water
readily. This may be followed by low light intensity of 5 lux
(0.5 foot candles or 15 watts per 18 m^) to reduce power
costs and prevent cannibalism. Often, growth of broilers is
better under low-intensity light. However, it is important to
have good light distribution so that feeders and waterers
are adequately lighted. Light intensity can be controlled by
using commercial-type rheostats. Rheostats should be
TABLE 2 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Broilers'
Age of Bird
Ventilation Rate (L/s per bird)
Supplemental Heat (watts/bird)
Winter
Spring/Fall
Summer
-37°C
-34°C
-32°C
-29°C
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2
Infiltration^
0.02
0.05
4.8
4.6
4.3
4.1
0.02
0.07
0.48
3.7
3.5
3.3
3.0
0.14
0.48
2.4
7.1
6.5
5.9
5.3
0.29
0.96
3.6
13.9
13,1
12.0
1 1 .2
Full Room
Brooding
Half Room
> Weeks (0.25 kg)
3 Weeks (1.7 kg)
1 Weeks (3 kg)
1 . Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures at 35 = 0 and 70% RH
for brooding, 29°C and 80% at 2 weeks of age 21 =C and 80% RH at 8 weeks of age and 1 6 = C and 80% RH at 1 1 weeks of
age. Barn construction is RSI 3.5 insulation in walls and ceiling, with RSI 1 .4 perimeter foundation insulation. These rates
are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 35% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
NOTE: If hooded gas-fired brooders are used, the ventilation rates for birds older than 2 weeks should be increased by about
7% and the supplemental heat requirements should be increased by about 1 5% to compensate for the additional
moisture added by the brooders.
NOTE: Table A2 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
disconnected from the electrical circuit when the building
is being washed out.
Incandescent bulbs are considered superior to other light
sources. Bright white light may contribute to feather
picking, which can lead to cannibalism.
E. FEEDING AND WATERING SYSTEMS
For brooding chicks, besides the regular feeding system,
cardboard feed trays and extra water jars should be placed
within the brooding zone to ensure all chicks have access
to both. They are gradually removed over the first 4 to 6
days as the chicks locate the automatic feeding system.
The usual feeding system used for broilers is the
suspended automatic chain and trough feeder or the
suspended automatic chain and pan feeder system (Figure
19). These systems normally make a complete circuit
within the broiler barn, ensuring that enough feeder space
is available if the birds are on full feed. If a restricted
feeding program is used, then additional feeder space has
to be provided.
Waterers are usually the hanging automatic bell type
(Figure 20) or the automatic trough type (Figure 21).
Hanging water cups (Figure 22) are also available for floor
or cage reared broilers. An ample, clean source of water is
required. Birds have no stomach so their water retaining
capacity is very low. They must drink freely and often as
they require 0.9 to 1 .4 kilograms (2 to 3 lb) of water to
efficiently utilize 0.45 kilograms (1 lb) of feed. The water
source should be low in minerals and particularly low in
salt as excess salt leads to watery droppings and
consequently wet litter.
Both feeding and watering facilities need to be arranged
so that a bird will not have to travel further than 3 m (10
ft). Both systems are suspended from the ceiling by cable
winch and rope so they can be elevated for tractor clean-
out.
Figure 19 - Mechanical feeder, suspended from
the ceiling
Figure 20 - Bell type automatic waterer
Figure 21 - Automatic watering trough (and part of a mechanical feeder)
12
Figure 22 - Hanging water cup
13
BREEDER FLOCKS
B. MANURE SYSTEM
A. BARN CONSTRUCTION
Breeder barns are generally of pole-frame or stud wall
construction, 1 1 to 1 2 m (36 to 40 ft) wide. A general
layout is shown in Figure 23.
Table 3 shows the floor, feed, and water space
requirements needed for breeder flocks.
Most breeder barns have solid manure systems. This either
involves a total litter system similar to broiler barns, or a
1/3 litter, 2/3 slatted floor, or a totally slatted floor. The
litter areas are either packed clay or concrete. The manure
storage under the raised slatted areas are either shallow or
deep pits. These areas are cleaned either by raising the
slats in a shallow pit or by driving under the slats with the
cleaning unit. For easy clean-out, the pit area should be
made of concrete.
Figure 23a - Breeder barn layout with center slats
Figure 23b - Breeder barn layout with side slats
14
TABLE 3 - Floor, Feed and Water Space Requirements - Breeder Flocks
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Age & Type of Bird
0 - 2 weeks
2 - 8 weeks
8 - 20 weeks
Floor Space
(per bird)
0.05 m2
0.07 m2
0.14 m2 (light breeds)
0.19 m2 (heavy breeds)
Feeding Space
(per bird)
2.5 cm
5 cm
7.5 cm
Watering Space
(per 100 birds)
two 4L fountains
1 50 cm (trough)
100 cm (fountains)
1 50 cm (trough)
100 cm (fountains)
LAYING FLOCK
Floor System
Deep Litter Floor Combination 1/2 - 2/3 Wire Complete Wire or
Dropping pits or Slat Floor 1 /2 - 2/3 Slat Floor
Under Roosts Deep-Litter Floor
Floor Area per Hen:
egg-strain breeds
heavy breeds (over 2.27 kg)
Feeding Space per 100 Hens:
Watering Space per 100 Hens:
Nesting Space per 1 00 Hens:
0.186 m2
0.279 m2
0.093 m2
0.140 m2
0.046 m2
0.093 m2
If hand fed 6000 mm of double-sided troughs or 4 round hanging feeders (pan diameter
400 mm). For automatic feeding reduce feeding space 50 percent.
2 watering cups, two 22 litre fountains of 1500 linear mm of drinking troughs.
20 nests, 250 x 300x300 mm or 300x300 mm for light and heavy breeds respectively or
NOTE: Table A3 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
C. HEATING AND VENTILATION
The heating and ventilation systems for brooding and
growing of breeders are the same as for broilers. In-barn
circulating fans can be* used in both growing and breeding
barns to improve air circulation patterns especially in the
winter.
15
The most common heating system used in laying barns is
hot water boiler and black iron pipe. The rows of pipes are
hung from the ceiling in front of the air inlets, hanging far
enough from the ceiling to allow free air movement over
them without interfering with the air flow. Ventilation and
heating requirements for breeder flocks are shown in Table
4.
TABLE 4 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Breeder Flocks^
Ventilation Rate (L/s per bird) Supplemental Heat (watts/bird)
Type of Bird
Winter
Spring/Fall
Summer
-37°C
-34°C
-32°C
-29°C
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Full Room
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.02
0.05
Half Room
4.8
4.6
4.3
4.1
2 Weeks
0.02
0.07
0.48
3.7
3.5
3.3
3.0
8 - 20 Weeks
0.19
0.71
2.4
13.7
13.0
12.0
11.2
LAYING HENS
Light Breeds
- on litter
13.7
13.0
12.0
11.2
- on partial slats
0.19
0.71
2.9
10.8
10.2
9.3
8.7
- on slats
9.3
8.8
8.1
7.5
Heavy Breeds
- on litter
19.7
18.7
17.3
16.2
- on partial slats
0.29
0.95
3.6
15.3
14.5
13.3
12.4
- on slats
13.9
13.1
12.0
11.2
1. Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures and relative
humidities of 35°C and 70% RH for brooding, 29°C and 80% at 2 weeks of age 1 6°C and 80% RH for the other groups of
birds. Barn construction is RSI 3.5 insulation in the walls and ceiling, with RSI 1 .4 perimeter foundation insulation. These
rates are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
NOTE: Table A4 in Appendix A contains the same information in Imperial units of measurement.
D. LIGHTING
Allow 24 hours of lighting the first three days of brooding
and then reduce it by 1.5 hours per week, to 8 hours per
day until they are 20 weeks old. One 25 watt incandescent
lamp for every 21 m^ (230 ft^) of floor area is adequate.
This is accomplished by installing rows of lights about 5 m
(1 6 ft) apart, with the outlets spaced 5 m apart in the rows
and staggered with the adjacent row.
If using fluorescent lighting, two rows of single 25 watt
fluorescent lamps should be spaced about 6 m (20 ft) apart
Lighting circuits should be controlled by a time clock.
E. FEEDING AND WATERING SYSTEMS
These systems in the brooding and growing barn are the
same as in the broiler barn. However, if a skip-a-day
feeding program is being used, feeder space must be
increased to allow all of the birds to feed at the same time.
This requires at least 10 cm (4 in) of trough space per bird.
Even feed distribution to all the birds is desired in breeder
flocks. This requires either a very rapid feeding system or
one in which all the pans are filled and then the feed is
released to the birds at the same time.
The feeding and watering facilities in the laying barns are
located on top of the slats in partially or fully slatted
facilities.
F. NESTS
Two-tier individual nests 300 x 300 x 300 mm, (12 x 12 x
12 in), (Figure 24) are preferred and should be placed at
right angles to the slats. They can either be even with the
edge of the slats, or hanging over the litter areas. This
facilitates easy access by both the birds and the egg
collector. Provide one nest for four birds.
Community nests (Figure 25) 600 mm x 1200 mm (24 in. x
48 in.) suitable for 50 birds, may also be used.
16
Figure 24 - Three tier individual nest boxes (C.P.S. plan no. 5015)
LAYING FLOCK
A. BARN CONSTRUCTION
Barns for replacement pullets are either floor rearing
barns, 1 1 to 12 m wide (36 to 40 ft), similar to broiler ar to
barns, or a two to four row cage rearing barn. The he
cages are usually flat deck style cages to accommodate
even-brooding conditions, although two-tier cage systems
are available.
Pole-frame or stud wall buildings are most commonly used
for laying barns. These are either single storey (Figure 26)
or double storey (Figure 27) structures that utilize the
lower half of the building for manure storage.
Small barns for floor operations are typically laid out as
shown in Figure 28. Individual or community nests may be
used. See fact sheet 722-4 Planning Considerations -
Small Poultry Flock Housing.
Cage laying barns are usually built wide enough to
accommodate two to six rows of cages. This is dependent
on the size of the flock, the style of the cage used, whether
hand feeding and egg collection are used, and whether the
barn is to be sectioned off into several rooms to
accommodate continuous egg supply rather than an all-
in all-out type of operation. A major consideration before
finalizing building width, length, and height is to decide on
Figure 26 - Single storey caged layer barn (C.P.S. plan no. 5212)
Figure 27 - Deep pit caged layer barn (C.P.S. plan no. 5211)
18
o o o o o o
Round Metal Feeders
o o o o o o
1 T
Community Nests
Figure 28 - Small poultry barn for floor operations
(C.P.S. plan no. Q5110)
Stair step, open sided
Single deck,
front waterer
Stair step, sawtooth roof
Single deck,
back waterer
Single deck,
automatic egg
pickup
Double deck,
stair step
Double deck,
offset
Double deck,
vertical
Triple deck,
stair step
Vertical double deck,
automatic egg pickup
Triple deck,
offset
Verticle triple deck,
automatic egg pickup
Flat deck,
automatic egg pickup,
SYMBOLS
FEEDERS
^ WATERERS
Figure 29 - Cage styles and layouts
the style of cage row to be used. Figure 29 indicates some
of the various cage styles. The height of the cages, width
of the cages, number of cage rows required, and number
and width of alleys, need to be determined before a
building can be selected. Stronger walls and trussed rafters
are also required if ceiling suspended cages are to be used.
Table 5 outlines the floor, feed, and water space
requirements needed for laying flocks.
B. MANURE SYSTEMS
In floor operations, the litter area can be cleaned
frequently, or more straw or shavings can be added until
the litter depth is 30 cm (12 in.). As long as the litter
remains dry, clean out of the barn is not required. The
manure area under the slatted portion of a floor laying
operation need only be cleaned out once or twice per flock.
Cage laying operations typically have two manure handling
options. In single storey barns, there are concrete trenches
19
TABLE 5 - Floor, Feed & Water Space Requirements for Laying Flocks
FLOOR HOUSING (SMALL COMMERCIAL OR HOBBY) FOR BROODING AND
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Floor Space
Age & Type of Bird (per bird)
Feeding Space
(per bird)
Watering Space
(per 100 birds)
0 - 2 weeks 0.05
2.5 cm
2 - 4L fountains
2 - 8 weeks 0.07 m2
5 cm
1 50 cm (trough)
100 cm (fountains)
8 - 20 weeks 0.1 4 (light breeds)
0.19 m2 (heavy breeds)
7.5 cm
100 cm (fountains)
1 50 cm (trough)
FLOOR HOUSING FOR LAYING FLOCKS
Floor System
Deep Litter Floor
Dropping pits
Under Roosts
Combination 1/2 - 2/3 Wire
Or Slat Floor 1/2 - 2/3 Deep
Litter Floor
Complete Wire or Slat Floor
Floor Area per Hen:
egg-strain breeds 0.186
heavy breeds (over 2.7 kg) 0.279
0.093 m2
0.140 m2
0.046 m2
0.093 m2
Feeding Space per 1 00 Hens: If hand fed 6000 mm of double-sided troughs or 4 round hanging feeders (pan diameter
400 mm). For automatic feeding reduce feeding space 50 percent.
Watering Space per 100 Hens: 2 watering cups, two 22 litre fountains of 1500 linear mm of drinking troughs.
Nesting Space per 100 Hens: 20 nests, 250 x 300 x 300 mm or 300 x 300 x 300 mm for light and heavy breeds
respectively or 2 community nests 600 mm by 1200 mm.
CAGE HOUSING
Cage Space
(per bird)
Feed Space
(per bird)
Water Space
(per cage)
Brooding & Replacement
Pullets
0 - 6 weeks 0.016 m^
25 mm
1 5 birds per nipple
25 birds per cup
6-18 weeks 0.029 m2
50 mm
8 birds per nipple
1 2 birds per cup
18 + weeks 0.039 m2
50 mm
8 birds per nipple
1 2 birds per cup
Laying Flock
1.6 kg bird 0.041 m^
100 mm
1 water cup per cage
or 1 per 2 cages
2.0 kg bird 0.046 m2
100 mm
depending on cage design.
NOTE: Table A5 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
20
225 mm to 300 mm (9 to 12 in.) deep under the cage
rows. Manure is scraped in these with either automatic
gutter cleaners or by a small tractor scraper. (Tractor
scraped gutters require a suspended cage system). The
manure is moved to one end of the barn where it is either
stored as a liquid in a large concrete manure tank, or
transferred to a lagoon. In some cases, it is handled as a
semi-solid and immediately elevated outside to a manure
spreader where it is spread on the land. The liquid manure
system (concrete tank or lagoon) has to be agitated and
handled through a liquid manure spreader tank. Water is
usually added to the manure gutters 24 hours before
clean-out to facilitate scraping. More water is added in a
liquid manure system than in the manure spreader system.
Owing to its sticky consistency, a large power unit is
required to handle the manure if no water is added to it.
Another alternative for a dry manure system utilizes
endless manure belts under the cages; the manure is
conveyed to one end of the barn, dumped onto a cross
conveyor, and elevated outside to the manure spreader.
Another system uses a scraper or an auger scraper. The
manure is scraped off the manure boards down on to a
narrow barn cleaner or into a deep pit under the cages.
In two storey or deep litter cage operations, the manure
drops into the lower storey and is stored there for at least
one laying flock. The ventilation fans are installed in the
walls below cage level so that air flow goes down through
the cages, across the top of the stored manure, and out the
fans. This air movement is usually adequate to create a dry
manure product that can be cleaned out with a front end
loader. Additional circulation can be provided by circulation
fans hung below the cages. This type of manure storage
requires good quality water low in salts if the droppings
are to remain dry enough to stay in a manure pile. Leaking
waterers also create wet manure conditions and must be
corrected if the manure storage is to remain dry and at low
odor levels.
C. VENTILATION AND HEATING
Heating systems for replacement pullets raised on the floor
are similar to those used in broiler barns. Hot water pipes
on top of each row of cages can be used for brooding and
growing pullets in a large cage rearing system. The total
amount of heat required can be reduced in this style of
brooding because the chicks are closer to the heat source.
Many laying operators have been willing to accept colder
barn temperatures, increased feed consumption, and
slightly lower egg production rather than install
supplemental heating in their barns. They feel that the few
extremely cold days which result in poorer barn conditions
do not warrant the cost of installing a heating system.
However, optimum laying conditions do require
supplemental heat and if moisture levels and odor levels
are to be minimized, a significant amount of supplemental
heat should be added.
described previously.
The most common heating system in a large cage laying
barn is the hot water boiler and black iron pipe. The pipes
are placed in front and below the incoming fresh air inlets.
Ventilation systems are usually the common negative
pressure system with air inlets down the outside wall of
the barn. In two-room barns, air inlets in the middle of the
barn are fairly common. Management of this type of
system can be critical in that different ventilation rates
from one side to the other may result in one side actually
starving the other side of air. A divider board or wall in the
attic may be required to prevent this short circuiting of air.
In Table 6, both the ventilation and heating requirements
for laying flocks are outlined.
D. FEEDING AND WATERING SYSTEMS
In floor operations, the least expensive method of feeding
is hand feeding using small self-feeders. Water is usually
supplied in automatic troughs or fountains, or in hand filled
fountains.
In cage operations, feeding is either by means of automatic
chain feed troughs or by hand filled troughs the length of
the cage row. The water system is either a continuous
flowing trough or the more commonly used water cups
which are under low pressure. All watering systems
require a filter to prevent plugging of the float valves
within the system. A pressure reducer is also required to
operate most cage watering systems.
E. LIGHTING
For floor laying operations, rows of 40 watt incandescent
lamps 4 m (13 ft) on centre with the lamps in each row
staggered and spaced 6 m (20 ft) apart, are suggested.
These should be on a dimmer and time clock. For cage
operations, 25 watt lamps, 4 m (13 ft) on centre down the
walk aisles are suggested for flat deck or double tier cage
systems and every 3 m (10 ft) between triple or four tier
cages. These should also be controlled by a dimmer and
time clock. A convenience outlet should be provided every
30 m (100 ft) around the perimeter in the floor laying
operation and down each alley in a cage laying barn.
Many egg producers are interested in total light control to
ensure maximum egg production. This requires tight
building construction and light traps over the exhaust fans
(Figure 30).
The following are some general lighting programs for
laying flocks. In these programs, a light intensity of 5 lux
(0.5 foot candle) is equivalent to about 15 watts per 18 m^.
These intensities can be achieved by the spacings noted
previously. The following lighting conditions are required
for houses with light control and without light control.
Forced air heating systems are probably the most practical
systems in floor layer operations from a cost standpoint
because of the smaller barn size and lower number of
birds. These systems must be properly installed as
21
TABLE 6 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Laying Flocks^
Ventilation Rate (L/s per bird) Supplemental Heat (watts/bird)
Type of Bird
Winter
Spring/Fall
Summer
-37°C
-34°C
-32°C
-29°C
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Full Room
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.02
0.05
Half Room
4.8
4.6
/I o
4.3
4.1
2 Weeks
U.Uz
U.U/
O. /
O.O
O.O
o.U
8 - 20 Weeks
0.19
0.71
2.4
13.7
13.0
12.0
11.2
CAGED REARED3
Brooding
Infiltration
0.02
0.05
4.8
4.6
4.3
4.1
2 weeks
0.02
0.07
0.48
3.7
3.5
3.3
3.0
8 - 20 weeks
0.09
0.71
2.4
4.8
4.3
3.8
3.3
LAYING HENS
Floor Laying
0.19
0.71
2.9
13.7
13.0
12.0
11.2
Cages (deep pit)
0.24
0.95
3.3
9.3
8.8
8.1
7.5
Cages (shallow pits)^
0.14
0.95
3.3
5.3
4.9
4.3
3.8
1. Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures and relative
humidities of 35°C and 70% RH for brooding, 29°C and 80% at 2 weeks of age and 1 6°C and 80% RH for the other groups
of birds. Barn construction is RSI 3.5 insulation in the walls and ceiling with RSI 1 .4 perimeter foundation insulation.
These rates are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content if manure is stored for more
than one week.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
3. Manure is removed from the barn every week. No attempt is made to dry the litter inside the barn.
NOTE: Table A6 in Appendix A contains the same information in British units of measurement.
CJl
O
flat back
Figure 30 - Light trap for ventilation fans
22
1. LIGHT CONTROL HOUSES
G. EGG HANDLING
Growing:
• 23 hours of bright light for the first 3 to 7 days (about
1 1 lux or 1 foot candle).
• 1 to 20 weeks require 8 to 10 hours of low intensity
light (about 3 to 5 lux or 0.3 to 0.5 foot candle).
• at 20 weeks, increase intensity of light to 12 to 1 3
hours (about 1 1 lux or 1 foot candle).
Laying:
• increase lighting at regular intervals by 15 to 20
minutes until 17 hours is reached.
• at 28 to 33 weeks use about 1 1 lux or 1 foot candle.
2. HOUSES WITHOUT LIGHT CONTROL
• 23 hours of bright light for the first 3 to 7 days (1 1 lux
or 1 foot candle).
• in-season hatch, from April 15 to September 1, when
hatches grow on natural light; such hatches will be
under a natural step-down light program.
• out-of -season hatch, from September 1 to April 15,
where extra light should be used at time of hatching.
This should then be stepped-down 15 minutes per week
until natural day length at the age of 20 weeks.
OR
• determine the length of the longest day between 1 week
and 20 weeks. Use artificial lights until the longest day
is reached; then turn the lights off.
• never decrease the period or intensity of light.
• at 20 weeks, increase the light to at least one hour over
dawn and dusk light.
• from 20 to 26 weeks the light should be increased to
bring the day length up to the greatest total day length
the flock will experience during the laying period. The
flock should be continued at that day length throughout
the laying cycle.
Good cage design is the first step to obtaining quality eggs.
The egg conveyor belt must also carry the eggs smoothly
and in single file. The egg elevators from higher tiers of
cages must be well designed and adequately maintained to
lower the eggs without increasing the speed. If cross
conveyors are used, they must also be designed so the
eggs do not bump into each other. Egg collection (either
manual or mechanical) from the end of the egg conveyors,
must be done with care to avoid cracking.
It is important to know that egg quality begins to decline as
soon as the egg is laid. Good handling practices will slow
this deterioration or at best, minimize it. Proper
temperature and humidity are most important, therefore:
1. Have a separate, adequately-equipped egg room close to
the laying flock.
2. Gather the eggs often - at least twice a day.
3. Gather the eggs in baskets or containers that will allow
rapid cooling.
4. Cool to less than 13°C and above 7°C immediately after
gathering.
5. Maintain air humidity as close to 70% as possible (this
slows down moisture loss from the egg).
6. After chilling, pack the eggs with the small end down
into fillers or flats placed in shipping cartons.
7. Market the eggs as often as possible.
8. Keep the egg room and transport vehicle free of off-
odors.
9. Do not handle eggs or their shipping containers in a
rough manner. Eggs are fragile and you can break shells
or internal membranes, resulting in downgrading of an
otherwise top quality egg.
A typical sizing for an egg cooler room is shown in Table 7.
F. CAGES
1. BROODING AND REPLACEMENT PULLETS
These cages are finer meshed wire cages with a capacity
for 20 to 50 chicks, depending on the equipment design.
Easy access to the cages is important for vaccinations and
debeaking procedures.
2. LAYING FLOCK
Laying cages are available in many different styles with
different feeding, watering, egg collection, and manure
systems. Some are shown in Figure 29. Cages must be
designed for strength and durability. They can either be
suspended from the ceiling or floor mounted. They must be
designed so the eggs Will not get caught at the back edge
of the cage or in the wire mesh. Adequate feed and water
space must also be considered.
23
TABLE 7 - Sizes for Egg Cooling Rooms
1 .67 Cases/100 Hens/Week
Flock 3000-3600 3600-4200 4200-6000 6000-9600
Inside Size (Min.) 6 8.4 m2 10 m2 13
Cases (30 Doz.) 60 70 100 160
Refrigeration (kW-hrs) 1.4 1.5 2.1 3.0
NOTE: Table A7 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
small fenced yards off to one side with a removable panel
or curtain wall. This is used to close the building down for
winter housing. Most of the breeding barns are total
confinement barns identical to broiler barns. The toms are
normally housed in a separate building of similar
construction, although they can be housed in a portion of
the hen barn.
In Table 8, space requirements for floor, feed, and water
are shown.
TABLE 8
- Floor, Feed and Water Space Requirements - Turkeys
Type of Bird
Floor Space
(per bird)
Feeding Space
(per bird)
Watering Space
(per bird)
Broilers
Hatching to 8 weeks
0.09 m2
50 mm
1 2 mm (or 35 poults/
4 L fountain)
O WctJI^o lO 1 M- WtJcKo
0.14 m2
75 mm
25 to 37 mm (or 2 to 4
automatic fountains/
100 birds)
Heavies
Hens (to 1 8 weeks)
0.37 m2
75 mm
37 mm (4 automatic
fountains/100 birds)
Breeding Flocks
Light breeds
Hens (to 13 lb)
0.28 m2
75 mm
37 mm (4 automatic
Toms (to 20 lb)
0.46 m2
75 mm
37 mm fountains/100 birds)
Heavy breeds
Hens (to 17 lb)
0.37 m2
75 mm
37 mm (4 automatic
Toms (to 28 lb)
0.56 m2
75 mm
37 mm fountains/100 birds)
Nest space
1 nest per 5 hens, each 350 x 600 x 600 mm
Broody space'
.046 m^ of wire
floor, no
bedding, well lighted
Range space
- 2400 birds per hectare/1000 birds per acre; moved each week
- range shelters - 0.13 m^ for small breeds
- 0.17 m2 for large breeds
1 . Area separate from breeding pen used to isolate "broody" breeder hens and restore egg production.
NOTE: Table A8 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
TURKEYS
A. BARN CONSTRUCTION
Most of the new turkey broiler operations are constructing
barns similar to chicken broiler barns: i.e. either concrete
foundation, stud wall, clear-span truss rafter, or pole-
frame, clean-span construction, 11 or 12 m (36 to 40 ft)
wide. Some of the semi-confinement broiler or heavy
growing barns are pole-frame construction. They have
25
B. MANURE SYSTEM
All barns use a manure system which is cleaned out after
every flock with a front-end loader.
C. VENTILATION AND HEATING
Heating and ventilation systems are the same for turkeys
as for broiler chickens. Extra care must be taken to prevent
drafts on turkey poults as they are very susceptible to
temperature fluctuations. Ventilation and heating
requirements for turkeys are listed in Table 9.
D. LIGHTING
Light intensity must be high enough to enable the poults to
locate feeders and waterers. However, they should not be
so intense as to promote toe and feather picking, because
these habits can lead to cannibalism. In windowless
houses, light intensity can be gradually reduced as the
birds grow older (Table 10). Power-saving dimming devices
are useful for this purpose.
Many satisfactory lighting programs are used commercially.
In a typical schedule, light is provided continuously for the
first 2 to 3 days, followed by 23 hours of light and 1 hour
of darkness throughout the entire growing period. The hour
of darkness serves to condition the birds to the darkness
that would occur if the power failed. Results from recent
experiments show that intermittent lighting may be
superior to other types of lighting.
TABLE 9 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Turkey Flocks^
Ventilation Rate (L/s per bird) Supplemental Heat (watts/bird)
Type of Bird
Winter Spring/Fall
Summer
-37°C
-34°C
-32°C
-29°C
Broilers (or replacements)
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.03
0.12
10.3
9.9
9.7
9.3
2 weeks
0.03
0.07
0.30
8.9
8.5
8.1
7.8
8 weeks
0.12
0.53
2.65
8.8
8.4
7.7
7.2
14 weeks
0.36
1.30
6.49
22.8
21.7
20.2
19.1
Heavies
18 weeks (7.73 kg)
0.56
2.00
10.02
40.9
39.0
36.4
34.4
22 weeks (12.73 kg)
0.92
3.18
15.92
66.7
63.7
59.5
56.8
Breeder flocks
Light breeds
Hens (to 5.9 kg) 0.43 1.53 7.66 30.5 29.1 27.1 25.6
Toms (to 9.1 kg) 0.66 2.36 11.79 48.8 46.6 43.5 41.0
Heavy breeds
Hens (to 7.73 kg) 0.56 2.00 10.02 40.9 39.0 36.4 34.6
Toms (to 12.73 kg) 0.92 3.18 15.92 66.7 63.7 59.5 56.2
1 . Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperature at 35°C and 70% RH
for brooding, 29°C and 80% RH at 2 weeks of age, 21 °C and 80% RH at 8 weeks of age and 1 6°C and 80% RH for all other
categories of birds. Barn construction is RSI 3.5 insulation in walls and ceiling with RSI 1.4 perimeter foundation
insulation. These rates are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
NOTE: Table A9 in Appendix A contains the same information in imperial units of measurement.
26
E. FEEDING AND WATERING SYSTEMS
To maintain feed consumption, the poults must have easy
access to the feeders. A bird should not have to walk more
than 3 m (10 ft) to a feeder. During the first few days,
place the feed on new cardboard trays. Provide two feed
trays for each 100 poults. The box in which the poults
were shipped may be cut down and used as a feeder.
Regular feeding equipment should be introduced by the
end of the third day, or it may be used along with feed
trays from the start. Remove the feed trays after the poults
are eating from the regular feeding equipment. Adjust the
lip of the trough to the level of a bird's back. Many kinds of
mechanical feeders are available. They are similar to other
poultry feeders but are of heavier gauge and size for
turkeys.
When poults are first placed under brooders, dip the beaks
of some of the birds to familiarize them with the water and
Its location. This will prevent the birds from dying of thirst.
Of the automatic waterers available, the bell-shaped ones
are most often used to complement the founts. The founts
should remain in the pen until the poults are accustomed
to the automatic waterers. Make sure that all poults find
the waterers when the founts are removed. Disinfect the
waterers two or three times a week with an iodine based
disinfectant. Adjust the level of the waterer frequently to
ensure that it is level with a bird's back.
TABLE 10 - Light Intensity Schedule
(1976)
AGE (days)
INTENSITY /lijx\
1-5
35
6
30
8
25
10
20
12
15
14
10
16
5
18
2
20
1
22+
0.4
F. NESTS
The nests for breeding hens are very similar to the
individual breeding nests for chickens except they are
larger (see Table 8 and Figure 24). These nests are usually
mounted against the perimeter walls.
27
APPENDIX
TABLE A1
- Floor, Feed and Water Space Requirements -
Broiler Housing
PpAHinn 5snAP^
Watering Space
Type of Bird
(per bird)
(per bird)
(per 100 birds)
Broilers
2 wk (0.5 lb)
0.5 ft2
1 in.
30 in.
8 wk (3.7 lb)
0.7 ft2
3 in.
60 in. (trough)
40 in. (circular)
Roasters
1 1 wk (6.5 lb)
1 ft2
3 in.
60 in. (trough)
40 in. (circular)
TABLE A2 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Broilers^
Ventilation Rate (cfm per bird) Suppiementai Heat (BTUh/bird)
Type of Bird
Winter
Spring/Fall
Summer
-35°C
-30°C
-25°C
-20°F
Full Room
23.2
22.5
21.8
21.2
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.05
0.1
Half Room
16.4
15.7
14.7
14.0
2 wk (0.5 lb)
0.05
0.15
1.0
12.6
1 1.9
12.3
10.2
8 wk (3.7 lb)
0.30
1.0
5.0
24.2
22.2
20.1
18.1
1 1 wk (6.5 lb)
0.60
2.0
7.5
47.5
44.7
41.0
38.2
1 . Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures at 35°C and 70% RH
for brooding, 84°F and 80% RH at 2 weeks of age, 70°F and 80% RH at 8 weeks of age and 60°F and 80% RH at 1 1 weeks of
age. Barn construction Is R20 insulation in walls and ceiling with R6 perimeter foundation insulation. These rates are also
based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 35% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
NOTE: If hooded gas-fired brooders are used, the ventilation rates for birds older than 2 weeks should be increased by about
7% and the supplemental heat requirements should be increased by about 1 5% to compensate for the additional
moisture added by the brooders.
28
TABLE A3 - Floor Housing for Breeding Flocks
Floor System
Doort 1 ittor Floor r^omhin^itirkn 1 _ '5/'^ \A/iro r^ornr^lot*^ \A/iro or
l-/CC[J l—ILld fiKJKJl \^(JI 1 lUI 1 la IIUI 1 1 / Z. Z./ O Wilt; OOllipidC VVIIC Ul
Dropping pits Or Slat Floor 1 /2 - 1 /3 Slat Floor
Under Roosts Deep-Litter Floor
Floor Area per Hen:
egg-strain breeds
heavy breeds (over 2.27 kg)
2 sq ft2 1 .0 sq ft 0.5 sq ft (min)
3 sq ft2 1 .5 sq ft^ 1 .0 sq ft^ (min)
Feeding Space per 100 Hens:
If hand fed 20ftof double-sided troughs or 4 round hanging feeders (pan diameter 1 6 in.).
For automatic feeding reduce feeding space 50 percent.
Watering Space per 100 Hens:
2 watering cups, 2 five gallon fountains or 60 linear in. of drinking troughs.
Nesting Space per 100 Hens:
20 nests 1 0 in. by 1 2 in. by 1 3 in. high for both light and heavy breeds or 2 community
nests 2 ft. by 4 ft.
TABLE A4 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Breeder Flocks^
Ventilation Rate (cfm per bird) Supplemental Heat (BTUh/bird)
Type of Bird Winter Spring/Fall Summer -35°F -30°F -25°F -20°F
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Full Room
23.2
22.5
21.8
21.2
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.05
0.1
Half Room
16.4
15.7
14.7
14.0
2 Weeks
0.05
0.15
1.0
12.6
1 1.9
12.3
10.2
8 - 20 Weeks
0.4
1.5
5.0
46.8
44.4
41.0
38.1
LAYING HENS
Light Breeds
- on litter
46.8
44.4
41.0
38.2
- on partial slats
0.4
1.4
6.0
36.9
34.8
31.7
29.7
- on slats
31.7
30.0
27.6
25.6
Heavy Breeds
- on litter
67.3
63.8
59.1
55.3
- on partial slats
0.6
2.0
7.5
52.2
49.5
45.4
42.3
- on slats
47.5
44.7
41.0
38.2
1. Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures and relative
humidities of 95°F and 70% RH for brooding, 84°F and 80% at 2 weeks of age 60°F and 80% RH for the other groups of
birds. Barn construction is R20 insulation in the walls and ceiling, with R8 perimeter foundation insulation. These rates
are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
29
TABLE A5a
- Floor, Feed & Water Space Requirements for Laying Flocks
- FLOOR HOUSING (SMALL COMMERCIAL OR HOBBY) FOR BROODING AND REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Floor Space
Feeding Space
Watering Space
Age & Type of Bird
(per bird)
(per bird)
(per 100 birds)
0 - 2 weeks
0.5 ft2
1 in.
2 - 4L fountains
2 - 8 weeks
0.7 ft2
2 in.
60 in. (trough)
40 in. (fountains)
8 - 20 weeks
1.5 ft2 (light breeds)
3 in.
60 in. (trough)
2.0 ft2 (heavy breeds)
40 in. (fountains)
TABLE A5b - Floor Housing for Laying Flocks
Floor System
Deep Litter Floor
Dropping, pits
Under Roosts
Combination Vi - 2/3 Wire Complete Wire or
Or Slat Floor y2 - 1/3 Slat Floor
Deep-Litter Floor
Floor Area per Hen:
egg-strain breeds
heavy breeds (over 2.27 kg)
2 sq ft2
3 sq ft2
1.0sqft2 0.5 sq ft2 (min)
1.5sqft2 1.0 sq ft2 (min)
Feeding Space per 100 Hens:
If hand fed 20 ft of double-sided troughs or 4 round hanging feeders (pan diameter 1 6 in.).
For automatic feeding reduce feeding space 50 percent.
Watering Space per 100 Hens:
2 watering cups, 2 five gallon fountains or 60 linear in. of drinking troughs.
Nesting Space per 100 Hens:
20 nests, 10 in. by 12 in.
nests 2 ft by 4 ft.
by 1 3 in. high for both light and heavy breeds or 2 community
30
TABLE A5r ■
Cage Space
(per bird)
Feed Space
(per bird)
Water Space
(per cage)
Brooding & Replacement Pullets
0 - 6 weeks 25 in. 2
1 i n
1 in.
1 5 birds per nipple
25 birds per cup
6-18 weeks
45 in. 2
z in.
8 birds per nipple
1 2 birds per cup
1 8 + weeks
60 in.2
z in.
8 birds per nipple
1 2 birds per cup
Laying Flock
1 .6 kg bird
64 in.2
4 in.
1 water cup per cage
or 1 per 2 cages
2.0 kg bird
72 in. 2
4 in.
depending on cage design
TABLE A6 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Laying Flocks^
Ventilation Rate (cfm per bird) Supplemental Heat (BTUh/bird)
Type of Bird
Winter
Spring/Fall
Summer
-35°F
-30=F
-25 = F
-20=F
REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Full Room
23.2
22,5
21,8
21.2
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.05
0.1
Half Room
16.4
15,7
14,7
14,0
2 Weeks
0.05
0.15
1.0
12,6
1 1,9
12,3
10,2
8 - 20 Weeks
0.4
1.5
5.0
46,8
44,4
41 ,0
38.1
CAGED REARED^
Brooding
Infiltration
0.05
0.1
16.4
15,7
14,7
14.0
2 Weeks
0.05
0.15
1 .0
12.6
1 1 ,9
12,3
10.2
8 - 20 weeks
0.2
1.5
5.0
16,4
14,7
13,0
12.3
LAYING HENS
Floor Laying
0.4
1.5
6.0
46.8
44,4
41 ,0
38.2
Cages (deep pit)
0.5
2.0
7,0
31,7
30,0
27.6
25.6
Cages (shallow pits)^
0.3
2.0
7.0
18,1
16,7
14.7
13.0
1. Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperatures and relative
humidities of 95=F and 70% RH for brooding, 84°F and 80°o at 2 weeks of age and 60 = F and 80°o RH for the other groups of
birds. Barn construction is R20 insulation in the walls and ceiling with R8 perimeter foundation insulation. These rates
are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content if manure is stored for more than one
week.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
3. Manure is removed from the barn every week. No attempt is made to dry the litter inside the barn.
31
TABLE A7 - Sizes for Egg Cooling Rooms
1.67 Cases/100 Hens/Week
Flock
3000-3600
3600-4200 4200-6000
6000-9600
Inside Size (Min.)
8' X 8'
9'x10' 9'x12'
10' X 14'
Cases (30 Doz.)
60
70 100
160
Refrigeration
4500 BTU
5100 BTU 6900 BTU
9900 BTU
(1 H.P. refrigeration approx. = 9000 to 12,000 BTU/h )
T A D 1 C AO
TABLE Ao
- Floor, Feed and Water Space Requirements - Turkeys
Floor Space
Feeding Space
Watering Space
Type of Bird
(per bird)
(per bird)
(per bird)
Broilers
Hatching to 8 wk
1 .0 ft2
2"
5" (or 35 poults/gal fountain)
8 wk to 1 4 wk
1 .5 ft2
3"
1 to 1 .5" (or 2 to 4 automatic
fountains/100 birds)
Heavies
Hens (to 18 wk)
4ft2
3"
1 .5" (4 automatic fountains/
100 birds)
Breeding Flocks
Light breeds
Hens (to 13 lb)
3 ft2
3"
1 .5" (4 automatic
Toms (to 20 lb)
5 ft2
3"
1.5" fountains/100 birds)
Heavy breeds
Hens (to 17 lb)
4ft2
3"
1 .5" (4 automatic
Toms (to 28 lb)
6 ft2
3"
1.5" fountains/100 birds)
Nest space
1 nest per 5 hens, each 14" x 24" x 24"
Broody space^
0.5 ft^ of wire floor, no bedding, well lighted
Range space
- 1000 birds per acre; moved each week
- range shelters -
1 .4 ft2 for small breeds
- 1 .8 ft^ for large breeds
1. Area separate from breeding pen used to isolate
"broody" breeder hens and restore egg production.
32
TABLE A9 - Ventilation and Heating Requirements for Turkey Flocks^
Type of Bird
Ventilation Rate (cfm per bird)
Winter Spring/Fall Summer
Supplemental Heat (BTU/h/bird)
-35°F -30°F -25°F -20°F
Broilers (or replacements)
Brooding
Infiltration^
0.06
0.25
35
34
33
32
2 weeks
0.06
0.14
0.60
30
29
28
27
8 weeks
0.24
1.00
5.60
30
29
26
25
14 weeks
0.72
2.60
14.00
80
74
69
65
Heavies
1 8 weeks (17 lb)
1.0
4.0
20.0
140
133
124
118
22 weeks (20 lb)
2.0
6.0
32.0
228
217
203
194
Breeder flocks
Light breeds
Hens (to 13 lb)
1.0
3.0
16.0
104
99
92
87
Toms (to 20 lb)
1.4
5.0
25.0
167
160
150
140
Heavy breeds
Hens (to 17 lb)
1.2
4.0
20.0
140
133
124
118
Toms (to 28 lb)
2.0
6.0
30.0
228
218
203
192
1 . Ventilation and heating requirements are calculated on the basis of maintaining barn temperature at 95°F and 70% RH for
brooding, 84°F and 80% RH at 2 weeks of age, 70°F and 80% RH at 8 weeks of age and 60°F and 80% RH for all other
categories of birds. Barn construction is R20 insulation in walls and ceiling with R8 perimeter foundation insulation.
These rates are also based on maintaining the litter inside the barn at 45% moisture content.
2. Infiltration rate of air is taken as less than one-third air change per hour.
33
CONVERSION FACTORS FOR METRIC SYSTEM
Approximate
Imperial units conversion factor Results in:
LINEAR
inch X 25 millimetre (mm)
foot X 30 centimetre (cm)
yard x 0.9 metre (m)
mile X 1.6 kilometre (km)
AREA
square inch x 6.5
square foot x 0.09
acre x 0.40
square centimetre (cm )
square metre (m )
hectare (ha)
VOLUME
cubic inch
cubic foot
cubic yard
fluid ounce
pint
quart
gallon
16
28
0.8
28
0.57
1.1
4.5
cubic centimetre
cubic decimetre
cubic metre
millilitre
litre
litre
litre
(cml)
(mL)
(L)
(L)
(L)
WEIGHT
ounce X 28 gram (g)
pound X 0.45 kilogram (kg)
short ton (2000 lb) x 0.9 tonne (t)
TEMPERATURE
degrees Fahrenheit (°F — 32) x 0.56 or
(°F - 32) X 5/9 degrees Celsius (°C)
PRESSURE
pounds per square inch X 6.9 kilopascal (kPa)
POWER
horsepower
746
0.75
watt (W)
kilowatt (kW)
SPEED
feet per second
miles per hour
X 0.30 metres per second (m/s)
X 1.6 kilometres per hour (km/h)
AGRICULTURE
gallons per acre
X
11.23
litres per hectare
(L/ha)
quarts per acre
X
2.8
litres per hectare
(L/ha)
pints per acre
X
1.4
litres per hectare
(L/ha)
fluid ounces per acre
X
70
millilitres per hectare
(mL/ha)
tons per acre
X
2.24
tonnes per hectare
(t/ha)
pounds per acre
X
1.12
kilograms per hectare
(kg/ha)
ounces per acre
X
70
grams per hectare
(g/ha)
plants per acre
X
2.47
plants per hectare
(plants/ha)
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