Market Broiler Management Practice Test

Which axis should a broiler house be situated on to minimize direct sunlight on the sidewalls during the hottest part of the day?

1. North-South

2. East-West

3. South-East

4. West-East

The correct answer is: East-West

To minimize direct sunlight on the sidewalls of a broiler house during the hottest part of the day, positioning the house in an East-West orientation is ideal. This configuration allows the long sidewalls of the structure to face north and south, which helps reduce direct sunlight exposure from the east in the morning and west in the afternoon. When the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the East-West orientation keeps direct sunlight off the sidewalls during peak heat times, particularly in the afternoon when temperatures can reach their highest. Such an arrangement helps maintain a cooler environment inside the broiler house, which is crucial for the health and productivity of the birds. Other orientations, such as North-South, would mean that both sidewalls could receive some sunlight during mid-day, increasing the internal temperature. Choosing the East-West alignment thus optimally leverages the sun's path to enhance climate control within the housing, promoting better welfare for the broilers.