MINIMUM VENTILATION FOR MODERN BROILER FACILITIES

New functions for whole-house broiler heat production as a function of bird age using modern straight run broiler growth rates are presented and compared to values in the literature. The approximations are base d on field measurements of environmental conditions in modern broiler housing, using a technique that matches predicted to actual fuel use t o estimate partitioning between latent and sensible heat. Development of a program utilizing these approximations to compute ventilation and heating requirements for temperature and humidity control in broiler housing is described The program utilizes steady-state heat and moistu re balances commonly used for design purposes, with hourly or daily ti me steps. Data input includes bird weight and numbers, house data incl uding overall R-value and size, inside and outside temperature, and re lative humidity. The program estimates ventilation for temperature and moisture control, minimum ventilation rate, and supplemental heat req uired. Example predictions are provided.