Zonation in closed house affecting ammonia emission, immune system and broiler performance in the dry season

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of zonation in closed house on ammonia emission, immune system and broiler chicken performance in the dry season. A total of 720 unsexed broilers were subjected into 4 treatment : zone 1, zone 2, zone 3, and zone 4 (at 0, 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 the length of closed house from inlet). Ammonia emissions, relative weights of thymus, spleen and bursa fabricius, neutrophil, lymphocyte levels, and N/L ratio broilers were measured. Performance index parameters were also observed to illustrate the impact of zoning on broiler performance. Obtained data were statistically tested by analysis of variance. Results showed that the farther zone of broiler placement from inlet significantly increase ammonia emissions start from zone 3, decrease lymphocyte levels started form zone 4 and performance index started from zone 2, meanwhile relative weight of thymus, spleen, bursa fabricius, and N/L ratio were not significantly affected. This research concluded that the farther zone from inlet increase the ammonia emissions, reducing broilers immune system and performance in dry season.