Cooling Caged Laying Hens in High-rise House by Fogging Inlet Air

Abstract

<p>Cost effective and easy-to-retrofit cooling systems are needed for heat stress relief of laying hens in the Midwest of the United States. This field study evaluates the efficacy of cooling ventilation air by high-pressure (6,893 kPa or 1,000 psi) foggers installed along the eave air inlets of a commercial high-rise layer house (100,000 Hy-Line W-98 hens). Fogging was controlled to operate when the house temperature exceeded 30°C with a concomitant relative humidity (RH) of <76%. The system was able to lower the inside air temperature by up to 7°C as compared to the outside temperature, depending on outside RH. The one-year (1999) test results showed that the system has good potential to be a viable alternative cooling system for the region. Further testing of the system, particularly its longevity and maintenance requirements, is warranted.</p>