Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 6, No 1 (1993)

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Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity within the Poultry House on the performance of White Leghorn Layers on Litter Floor

P.V. Sreenivasaiah, M.M. Appannavar

Abstract


Performance of 262 single comb White Leghorn layers (Mychix strain) reared on litter floor with a floor space of 1575, 2025 and 2475 sq. cm. per bird from 25 to 40 weeks of age was studied. Regression analysis of hen-day egg production (%), weekly egg weight (g), albumen index, Haugh unit score and shell thickness (mm) each as a function of age, temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) singly and in combination, revealed that higher temperatures were detrimental to both egg production and egg weight especially at a lower floor space allowance. Egg production reduced and egg weight increased with advancing age, whereas shell thickness was unaffected by age, temperature and relative humidity. Reductions in both temperature and relative humidity due to increased floor space allowance did not have significant overall economics, a floor space of 1575 Sq. cm per bird seemed to be adequate for White Leghorn layers under Raichur conditions

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