Comparison of atmospheres in new construction and retrofitted broiler houses

Atmospheric and environmental conditions inside a new chicken house and an adjacent older house that had been upgraded with equivalent environmental control mechanisms were compared. Continuous monitoring of oxygen, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide was done during cool weather grow-outs. Averages of the continuous observations were recorded every thirty minutes. Other data collected were interior temperature and relative humidity, and exterior temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation.

Statistical analysis was performed to test for differences between the houses for each gas. Differences between the houses were found for each gas that was measured in both houses. An experiment to test the importance of sensor location within the broiler house was also conducted. Ammonia sensing was found to be affected by the sensors' proximity to the litter, while the oxygen sensor measured concentrations adequately at 5 feet and 1 foot above the floor.