The effect of air velocity on broiler performance and feed and water consumption

Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of air velocity on feed a nd water consumption ata constant temperature of 27 C and a daily cyclic te mperature of 22-32-22 C. Air velocity over the broilers was <15 or 120 m/mi n. These temperature and air velocity treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 f actorial design in eight environmental chambers, with two replications of e ach treatment. The air velocity treatments were applied, and total feed and water consumption and daily patterns of consumption were determined for br oilers from 21 to 49 d of age. Broilers exposed to the high air velocity co nsumed less water and more feed, gained more weight, and had an improved fe ed:gain ratio. The high air velocity had little effect on daily patterns of feed and water consumption. Both feed and water consumption were depressed during the peak of the daily cyclic temperature.