The Performance of a Computerized System for Control of Broiler-House Environment

Abstract

A low-cost computer was adapted to measure temperature and control brooder stoves and ventilation fans. A computer program was developed to describe mathematically and control the parameters required to maintain the required temperature and relative humidity (RH) to brood and grow broiler chickens. The system operated a poultry house used to grow broiler chickens during the 1984 January-February period in Mississippi. Mean daily temperature during the 45-day growing period was maintained to within ± 1 C; average RH within the house was 58%. Fuel consumption was 149 liters of liquified petroleum gas per 1000 chickens.