Minimum energy requirements for optimum egg production in caged layer houses

Studying the environmental control requirements in poultry laying houses is very important when economy and energy conservation are considered. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the possibility of reducing energy consumption in poultry laying houses, (2) to determine the effect of supplementary heat on winter egg production, and (3) to study the effect of temperature and relative humidity on egg production. An experiment was conducted for six months to study those factors. Special statistical analysis for data was followed. Results of this study indicated that there is no significant effect of daily average temperatures within the range 45-65° F on egg production, and also that the relative humidity, within the range normally encountered, has no significant effect on egg production. A comparison was made between the egg production from two sections of a poultry laying house, one of which was provided with supplementary heat. This comparison indicated that heating may have an adverse effect on egg production. One day lag of temperatures and relative humidities showed a better correlation with egg production than that of the same day.