Modern poultry farm in Brazil with advanced climate control systems.

Poultry Farming in Brazil: How to Keep Your Birds Comfortable and Productive

Soraya Malik in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the secrets to optimizing thermal comfort and air quality in broiler houses, ensuring the health and productivity of your flock in Brazil's challenging climate."

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions in poultry houses is crucial for the health, welfare, and productivity of broiler chickens. In Brazil, particularly in the semi-arid regions, the challenges of high temperatures and variable air quality demand careful attention to thermal comfort and gas concentrations within these facilities.

Recent research has focused on understanding and mitigating the impacts of these environmental stressors on commercial broiler performance. Studies conducted in Paraiba, a state within Brazil's semi-arid region, have examined the effectiveness of different housing designs and management practices in creating a more comfortable and healthier environment for poultry.

This article delves into the key findings of these studies, providing practical insights and recommendations for poultry farmers seeking to optimize their operations. By understanding the specific challenges posed by the Brazilian climate and implementing appropriate strategies, producers can enhance the well-being of their flocks and improve overall productivity.

Understanding Thermal Comfort in Broiler Houses

Modern poultry farm in Brazil with advanced climate control systems.

Thermal comfort refers to the range of environmental conditions in which birds can maintain their body temperature without expending excessive energy. In the context of broiler houses, this involves managing factors such as ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and air movement to create an environment that supports optimal growth and health.

Research indicates that exceeding recommended temperature limits can lead to heat stress, reduced feed intake, and compromised immune function. Conversely, maintaining temperatures that are too low can result in increased energy expenditure and susceptibility to disease. Finding the right balance is therefore essential for maximizing broiler performance.

Temperature Considerations: Studies have shown that average daily temperatures (AT) and relative humidity (RH) often exceed the recommended comfort zone for broiler chickens in semi-arid regions.
Water Temperature: Water temperature (Twater) consistently remains above the ideal threshold.
Housing Materials: Poultry houses that are covered with ceramic and fibrous cement exhibit no significant differences.

These conditions can push broilers outside of their thermoneutral zones—where they don't need to use energy to cool down or warm up—impacting their feeding patterns and overall well-being. What practical measures can producers implement to keep their flocks comfortable and thriving despite these challenges?

Future Strategies for Brazilian Poultry Farming

While the studies discussed indicate that current production indices remain within acceptable levels for the Brazilian poultry industry, it is clear that further improvements are both possible and necessary. Implementing more advanced climate control systems, refining management practices, and continuing research into the specific needs of broiler chickens in the Brazilian environment will be crucial for sustaining and enhancing the industry's competitiveness and animal welfare standards.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is thermal comfort in broiler houses and why is it important?

Thermal comfort in broiler houses refers to the specific range of environmental conditions, including ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and air movement, that allow broiler chickens to maintain their body temperature without expending excessive energy. Maintaining thermal comfort is crucial because it directly impacts the health, welfare, and productivity of the birds. When the ambient temperature (AT) or relative humidity (RH) are outside the ideal range, broilers experience heat stress or cold stress, leading to reduced feed intake, compromised immune function, increased energy expenditure, and susceptibility to disease, ultimately affecting growth and efficiency.

How does the Brazilian climate affect poultry farming, and what are the key environmental challenges faced by poultry farmers in Brazil?

The Brazilian climate, particularly in semi-arid regions like Paraiba, presents significant challenges for poultry farming. High temperatures and variable air quality are major concerns. The ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) often exceed the recommended comfort zone for broiler chickens. Additionally, water temperature (Twater) frequently surpasses ideal thresholds. These conditions can push broilers outside their thermoneutral zones, which can compromise their feeding patterns and overall well-being, which will have a negative impact on the flock.

What specific environmental factors are crucial for managing thermal comfort in broiler houses?

Managing thermal comfort in broiler houses hinges on controlling several key environmental factors. The most critical are ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and air movement. Keeping these factors within the recommended ranges is essential for preventing heat stress or cold stress. Additionally, the water temperature (Twater) should be monitored and maintained within the ideal threshold. Effective management involves strategies to mitigate the impacts of high temperatures and poor air quality.

What do studies reveal about the effectiveness of different housing designs and materials on thermal comfort for broilers?

Studies conducted in Brazil have examined the impact of different housing designs and materials on thermal comfort for broilers. Interestingly, research indicates that poultry houses covered with ceramic and fibrous cement show no significant differences in their ability to maintain optimal environmental conditions. These findings suggest that while the choice of materials is important for other factors like durability and cost-effectiveness, the specific material may not significantly influence the ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) within the broiler house. The studies stress that the key is controlling the ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH), and not the material, directly.

What are the future strategies recommended for improving poultry farming in Brazil?

Future strategies for Brazilian poultry farming include implementing more advanced climate control systems, refining management practices, and continuing research into the specific needs of broiler chickens in the Brazilian environment. The current production indices remain within acceptable levels, but enhancements are possible and necessary to sustain and enhance the industry's competitiveness and animal welfare standards. Focusing on these areas will help improve the overall productivity and well-being of broiler chickens in the face of the environmental challenges posed by the Brazilian climate.