Temperature Stratification in Broiler Houses and the Effects of Ceiling Fans

Abstract

TEMPERATURE profiles were measured in seven commercial broiler houses during brooding conditions. Temperature stratification was characterized in terms of a dimensionless temperature, 6, based on outside air temperature and inside temperature at a height of 0.30 m (1.0 ft). Floor-to-ceiling temperature rises in six commercial houses with pancake brooders varied from 2.9 to 5.0C (5.2 to 9.0F). Temperature stratification was greater in a house with a single space heater 3 m (10 ft) above the floor than in the houses with pancake brooders. Stratification reductions obtained with ceiling fans increased with ceiling fan speed and decreased with radial distance from the ceiling fan.