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Published:
Dec 4, 2013DOI:
10.4314/just.v33i2.5Keywords:
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Evaluation of a Modified Passive Solar Housing System for Poultry Brooding
Abstract
A modified passive solar poultry brooding system was tested for its performance at full capacity for a brooding period of four (4) weeks for broiler chicks. Its performance was evaluated through the determination of thermal environmental properties as well as physiological development of brooded chicks for a period of 4 weeks. The temperature levels obtained in the brooding space were in the range of 280C – 350C. The maximum average weight per chick attained at the end of brooding period was 566.5g. Only 6.7% loss was incurred and feed conversion ratio decreased from 1.5 in the first week to 1.1 by the end of the brooding period indicating better performance. The hourly efficiency of the solar brick passive system was estimated at about 78.42% in a day of May and 92.73% in a day of June. The modified solar housing system met the temperature requirements (270C - 350C) for the broiler chicks within the 4 – 5 weeks of brooding period.
Keywords: clay bricks, passive solar system, chick brooding, performance evaluation, Nigeria
