Market Broiler Management Practice Test

Evaporative cooling for broilers should be used only above what temperature?

1. 25 C

2. 28 C

3. 30 C

4. 32 C

The correct answer is: 28 C

Evaporative cooling is a technique used to reduce the temperature in poultry houses, especially during hot weather. It works by utilizing water evaporation to lower the ambient air temperature, making it more comfortable for the birds. The correct threshold temperature for initiating evaporative cooling is critical for effective management of broiler welfare and productivity. Above a designated temperature, broilers can experience heat stress, which negatively impacts their growth, feed efficiency, and overall health. Using evaporative cooling only above 28°C is advisable because it establishes an effective threshold at which the benefits of cooling outweigh the risks associated with high temperatures. At this point, broilers are more prone to suffering from heat stress, thus necessitating measures to maintain optimal temperature conditions. Implementing cooling at the right temperature ensures that birds remain comfortable and productive. The other thresholds, while they may seem plausible, do not correspond as accurately with the recommended practices in broiler management, which prioritize maintaining a stable and comfortable environment to optimize broiler performance. Choosing to implement evaporative cooling below this specified temperature could result in unnecessary energy expenditure and lower humidity levels, which may not be beneficial for the birds' environment.