Some Studies on the Environmental Factors Affecting Broiler Performances in Upper Egypt

Abstract

The current field study was conducted on 6 broiler farms located in Sohag governorate (upper Egypt) during winter (December 2019- January 2020) , summer (July-August) and autumn (September-October) 2020 to figure out the impact of indoor broiler climate elements (ambient temperature (Ta.°C), relative humidity (RH%) and air velocity (AV m/sec.) on the survivability of microbial load (ML) on surfaces of indoor abiotic environment components (AC) (drinkers, feeders, walls and windows) where birds are in direct contact with consequent effects on performance indices (feed intake g/w/bird, live body weight (LBW) g/w/bird, feed conversion rate (FCR) and mortality %). The first section of the study was accomplished during winter. The obtained data showed the final mean value of AC ML (BL CFU from drinkers, feeders, walls and window swabs) was higher in farm 1 (122.44 ) than in farm 2 (17.75) and FLCFU in farm 1 (17.63) Vs. farm 2 (3.94).and that at different ages. The significant difference was recorded in AC BLCFU mean values between two farms at 35 days and for FL CFU means value was at 21 and 35 days. The mean difference of BLCFU (-64.688-*) in both farms was significantly correlated between 7, 35 days and between 21, 35 days. The mean difference of FLCFU in farm 1 (-47.125-*, P ≤.035) was significantly increased between 7, 21 days, and between 21, 35 days (57.500*, P ≤.011). Indoor air microbial load confirmed a higher mean value of IA BLCFU has recorded in farm 2 (198.8, 314.4) Vs, farm 1 (115.4, 251.7) at 7, 21 days respectively but higher in farm 1(342.8) at 35 days only. The mean value of IA FLCFU was higher in farm 1 (146.0, 306.7, 318.6) compared with farm 2 (112.8, 182.6, 245.0) during the rearing cycle (7, 21, 35 days). The cumulative means value of indoor air (IA ML) indicated higher means value of FLCFU in farm 1 (295.9) and higher BLCFU in farm 2 (283.9).