Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04
Outputs
A series of studies were performed to document and update heat and moisture production rates (HP, MP) of modern poultry and their housing systems. Specifically, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, followed by a series of experiments to measure HP and MP at both animal and housing levels of poultry. The results revealed significant changes over the past 20 to 50 years in both magnitude of total heat production rate (THP) and partitioning of THP to sensible HP (SHP) and latent HP (LHP) or MP. Functional relationships have been developed to delineate HP and MP as a function of bird body mass and environmental conditions. Evaporative cooling by surface wetting was investigated to cool market-size broiler chickens and laying hens kept in cages under heat challenging conditions. The studies examined the efficacy of the cooling method and requirement of cooling needs under different temperature, humidity and air velocity conditions. The cooling method proved
effective to heat stress relief and enhancement of production performance. Functional relationships were established to relate cooling needs to environmental conditions. Temperature-humidity-velocity indexes for broilers and layers were also developed to delineate the synergistic effects of the thermal components on the birds. Cooling drinking water as another practical means to alleviate heat stress was also studied with laying hens, and positive effects were observed. The effects of certain production management practices, e.g., beak-trimming and cage stocking density, on feeding behavior of pullets and laying hens were studied. Non-trimmed (NT) and beak trimmed (BT) hens showed similar daily feed intake and meal size. However, BT hens showed different ingestion characteristics, such as longer feeding time, slower ingestion rate, and shorter meal intervals, than the NT hens. Selective feeding, as demonstrated by larger feed particles apparent in the leftover feed was noted for the
BT hens. Aerial ammonia (NH3) emission rate (ER) was monitored for one year period in commercial laying hen houses with different housing (high-rise vs. manure belt) and management schemes (standard diet vs. lower protein diet). The results showed that manure handling practices and dietary CP content affected NH3 ER. Specifically, NH3 ER during the 12-month monitoring period averaged 0.90 (+/-0.24) and 0.81 (+/-0.21) g (d/hen) for the high-rise layer houses in Iowa (IA) with standard diet and reduced crude protein diet, respectively; 0.83 (+/-0.35) g (d/hen) for the Pennsylvania (PA) high-rise layer houses with standard diet; and 0.054 (+/-0.026) and 0.094 (+/-0.062) g (d/hen) for the IA and PA belt houses with manure removed daily and twice a week, respectively. Results of the study contribute to the U.S. national inventory on NH3 emissions from animal feeding operations, and characterize dynamics and magnitude of NH3 emissions from U.S. layer houses as affected by housing type,
manure management, diet manipulation and geographical location.
Impacts
The heat and moisture production rates of modern poultry and their housing system will be used to update the standards for professional practitioners in the design of poultry housing systems. Reliable design data are essential to ensuring an adequate microenvironment for the animals and efficient operation of the production facilities. Surface wetting provides a cost-effective, easy-to-implement cooling alternative for heat stress relief and enhanced production performance under adverse summer conditions that may be encountered even in the Midwestern United States. Comparative feeding behaviors of laying hens or pullets with or without beak trimming or under different stocking densities help in understanding the impacts of these production practices on ingestion characteristics or needs of the birds. Such information provides a scientific basis for use or change of the husbandry practices. Data on feeding behaviors may also serve as an objective indicator of animal
welfare, an issue that continues to challenge the scientific community. Aerial ammonia emissions from poultry production facilities will contribute to the establishment of baseline inventory emission information for U.S. animal feeding operations. Investigation of emission mitigation strategies will have profound impacts on the sustainability and economic prosperity of the food animal agriculture.
Publications
- Gates, R. S., H. Xin, K. D. Casey, Y. Liang, and E.F. Wheeler. 2004. A method for measuring ammonia emissions from poultry houses. Applied Poultry Res. (accepted)
- Liang, Y., H. Xin, S. J. Hoff, and T. L. Richard. 2004. Performance of Single Point Monitor in measuring ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gases. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 20(6):863-872.
- Persyn, K.E., H. Xin, D. Nettleton, A. Ikeguchi, and R.S. Gates. 2004. Feeding behaviors of laying hens with or without beak-trimming. Transactions of the ASAE 47(2):591-596.
- Dong, H. X. Tao, J. Lin, Y. Li, and H. Xin. 2001. Comparative evaluation of cooling systems for farrowing sows. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17(1):91-96.
- Xin, H., I. L. Berry, G. T. Tabler, and T. A. Costello. 2001. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing system: Broilers. Transactions of the ASAE 44(6):1853-1859.
- Yang, P., J.C. Lorimor, and H. Xin. 2000. Nitrogen loss from laying hen manure in high-rise layer houses. Transactions of the ASAE 43(6):1771-1780.
- Li, H., H. Xin, Y. Liang, R. S. Gates, E. F. Wheeler, and A.J. Heber. 2005. Evaluation of CO2 balance-based determination of building ventilation rate for laying hen houses using manure belt. Transactions of the ASAE 48(1):(in press).
- Chepete, H. J. and H. Xin. 2004. Ventilation rates of laying hen houses based on new vs. old heat moisture production data. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 20(6):835-842.
- Chepete, H. J. and H. Xin. 2004. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Molting layers. Transactions of the ASHRAE 110(2):274-285.
- Chepete, H. J., H. Xin, M.C. Puma, and R.S. Gates. 2004. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Pullets and layers. Transactions of the ASHRAE 110(2):286-299.
- Dong, H. X. Tao, H. Xin, and Q. He. 2004. Enteric methane emissions in China estimated with different IPCC methods and production schemes. Transactions of the ASAE 47(6):2051-2057.
- Gates, R. S., K. D. Casey, H. Xin, E. F. Wheeler, and J. D. Simmons. 2004. Fan assessment numeration system (FANS) design and calibration specifications. Transactions of the ASAE 47(5):1709-1715.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Feeding behaviors of W-36 White Leghorn laying hens (77-80 weeks old) as influenced by the management practice of beak trimming were quantified. The feeding behavior was characterized using a newly developed measurement system and computational algorithm. Non-trimmed (NT) and beak trimmed (BT) hens showed similar daily feed intake and meal size. However, the BT hens tended to spend longer time feeding (3.3 vs. 2.0 hr/d, P<0.01), which coincided with their slower ingestion rate of 0.43 g/min-kg0.75 vs. 0.79 g/min-kg0.75 for the NT counterparts (P<0.05). The BT had shorter time intervals between meals (101 s vs. 151 s, P<0.01). Selective feeding, as demonstrated by larger feed particles apparent in the leftover feed, was noted for the BT hens. The leftover feed had a lower crude protein/adjusted crude protein content for the BT birds than that for the NT birds (16.7% vs. 18.7%, P<0.05). Also the leftover feed of the BT birds had lower contents in phosphorus, magnesium,
potassium, zinc and manganese (P<0.05); although no significant differences were detected in calcium, sodium or metabolic energy content. Work continued to collect ammonia emissions from U.S. laying hen houses with different housing (high-rise vs. manure belt) and management strategies (standard diet vs. lower protein diet). There exist both diurnal and seasonal variations in ammonia emission from the layer houses. Ammonia concentrations and emission rates for the manure belt house are much lower than those for the high-rise houses. High-rise houses receiving low protein diet emitted less ammonia than those receiving standard diet. Diet manipulation showed promise as a means to reduce ammonia emission from commercial layer facilities.
Impacts
Baseline feeding behavior data as collected in the reported study may help quantify and ensure the welfare of animals through exercising, proper engineering design and/or management considerations. Measurements of ammonia emissions from poultry houses under U.S. production conditions contribute to establishment of national air emission inventory for animal feeding operations. Air emission mitigation techniques investigated will enable animal industry to develop more environmentally sound production systems, hence enhancing their production sustainability.
Publications
- Wheeler, E. F., J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. A. Topper, R. S. Gates, H. Xin, K. D. Casey, and Y. Liang. Ammonia emissions from broiler houses in Pennsylvania during cold weather. In: Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003.
- Wheeler, E. F., K.D. Casey, J.S. Zajaczkowski, P.A. Topper, R.S. Gates, H. Xin, Y. Liang, and A. Tanaka. 2003. Ammonia Emissions from U.S. Poultry Houses: Part III Broiler Houses. In: Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.
- Xin, H., Y. Liang, A. Tanaka, R.S. Gates, E.F. Wheeler, K.D. Casey, A.J. Heber, J. Ni and H. Li. 2003. Ammonia emissions from U.S. poultry houses: Part I Measurement system and techniques. In: Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.
- Liang, Y., H. Xin, A. Tanaka, S. H. Lee, H. Li, E. F. Wheeler, R. S. Gates, J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and K. D. Casey. 2003. Ammonia Emissions from U.S. Poultry Houses: Part II Layer Houses. In: Proc. Third International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations. Oct 12-13, 2003, Raleigh, NC.
- Tao, X. and H. Xin. 2003. Optimization of surface wetting to cool broiler chickens. Technical Paper No. 034088. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Tinoco, I.F.F., R.S. Gates, A.L.A. Tinoco, F.C. Baeta, and H. Xin. 2003. Evaluation of broiler breeder housing in high temperature Brazilian conditions. Technical Paper No. 034038. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Wathes, C. M., T. G. M. Demmers, and H. Xin. 2003. Ammonia concentrations and emissions in livestock production facilities: Guidelines and limits in the USA and UK. Technical Paper No. 034112. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Persyn, K.E., H. Xin, A. Ikeguchi, R.S. Gates and D. Nettleton. 2003. Feeding behaviors and pecking force of chicks with or without beak trimming. Technical Paper No. 034005. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Casey, K.D., R.S. Gates, E.F. Wheeler, H. Xin, J. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and Y. Liang. 2003. Ammonia emissions from broiler houses in Kentucky during cold weather. In: Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003.
- Liang, Y., H. Xin, A. Tanaka, S. H. Lee, H. Li, E. F. Wheeler, R. S. Gates, J. S. Zajaczkowski, P. Topper and K. D. Casey. 2003. Ammonia emissions from layer houses in Iowa. In: Proc of the Gaseous and Odor Emissions from Animal Production Facilities, Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park, Horsens, Denmark, June 1-4, 2003.
- Brown-Brandl, T.M., T. Yanagi, Jr., H. Xin, R.S. Gates, R. Bucklin, and G. Ross. 2003. A new telemetry system for measuring core body temperature in livestock and poultry. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 19(5):583-589.
- Tao, X. and H. Xin. 2003. Surface wetting and its optimization to cool broiler chickens. Transactions of the ASAE 46(2):483-490.
- Tao, X. and H. Xin. 2003. Acute, synergistic effects of air temperature, humidity and velocity on homeostasis of market-size broilers. Transactions of the ASAE 46(2):491-497.
- Tao, X. and H. Xin. 2003. Temperature-Humidity-Velocity Index for market-size broilers. Technical Paper No. 034037. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The efficacy and water need of surface wetting to cool market-size broiler chickens were quantified. The cooling water need, expressed as spray interval at a nominal spray dosage of 22 ml.bird-1 (SI22, min) and evaporation rate (ER,ml/min.kg0.67), were optimized by relating the SI22 or ER to the thermal conditions, having the form, SI22 = 70.50 - 27.14? - 4.84?VPDair, and ER = - 0.0471 + 0.1700? + 0.0297?VPDair (where VPDair = vapor pressure deficit of the air, kPa, that integrates the effect of air temperature and humidity; V = air velocity, m/s). A temperature-humidity-velocity index (THVI) that delineates the synergistic effects of dry-bulb temperature (tdb), humidity, and air velocity on the birds was established, of the form (where twb = wet-bulb temperature). Homeostasis state of the bird was classified as normal, alert, danger, or emergency that corresponds to a body temperature rise of 1.0, 2.5, 4.0 or >4.0C as related to THVI magnitude and exposure time. A
low-cost, portable monitoring unit was developed and used for continuous measurement of ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which leads to determination of ammonia emission rates from commercial poultry houses. Data have been collected from a high-rise and a manure belt laying hen house for about one year. Ammonia emissions were higher in summer than in winter. Feeding behavior of W-36 White Leghorn laying hens with or without beak trimming was characterized. Preliminary results show that the beak-trimmed hens have similar meal size, longer meal duration, slower ingestion rate, and shorter meal intervals as compared with their non-trimmed counterparts.
Impacts
Information on cooling needs and homeostasis for the broilers subjected to heat challenge will serve as a scientific basis for making management decisions and risk assessment associated with market-size broiler production and handling under thermally challenging conditions. Ammonia emission rates or factors for poultry housing systems and means to mitigate such emissions are urgently sought after by the industry, academia and the regulatory agencies to make animal feeding operations environmentally sound and sustainable. Characterization of the feeding behavior of laying hens will provide baseline information that may enable researchers to better quantify the welfare of birds as may be influenced by different production systems or management practices.
Publications
- Chepete HJ. 2002. Current state and updating of heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Iowa State University Parks Library, Ames, Iowa 50011.
- Chepete HJ and H Xin. 2002. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems: Literature review. Transactions of the ASHRAE 108(2):448-466.
- Chinkuyu AJ, RS Kanwar, JC Lorimor, H Xin and TB Bailey. 2002. Effects of laying hen manure application rate on water quality. Transactions of the ASAE 45(2):299-308.
- Gates RS, JD Simmons, KD Casey, T Greis, H Xin, EF Wheeler, C King and J Barnett. 2002. Fan assessment numeration system (FANS) design and calibration specifications. Technical paper No. 024124. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Gates RS, H Xin and EF Wheeler. 2002. Ammonia losses, evaluations and solutions for poultry systems. Proceedings of the 2002 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, October. Birmingham AL.
- Persyn KE, H Xin, A Ikeguchi and RS Gates. 2002. Feeding behaviors of laying hens with or without beak trimming. Technical paper No. 024070. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Tabler GT, IL Berry and H Xin. 2002. Spatial distribution of mortality in broiler flocks. Applied Poultry Res. 11:388-396.
- Wheeler EF, RS Gates, H Xin, J Zajaczkowski and KD Casey. 2002. Field estimation of ventilation capacity using FANS. Technical paper No. 024125. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Xin H, MC Puma, RS Gates and DU Ahn. 2002. Effects of drinking water temperature on laying hens subjected to warm cyclic environments. Poultry Science 81:608-617.
- Xin H, A Tanaka, T Wang, RS Gates, EF Wheeler, KD Casey, AJ Heber, J Ni and T Lim. 2002. A portable system for continuous ammonia measurement in the field. Technical paper No. 024168. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Xin H, Y Liang, RS Gates and EF Wheeler. 2002. Measurement of ammonia emissions from laying hen houses. Proceedings of the Iowa Poultry Industry Symposium held in Scheman Continuation Education Center on November 12, 2002, Ames, Iowa. Pp 53-58.
- Yanagi Jr T, H Xin and RS Gates. 2002. A research facility for studying poultry responses to heat stress and its relief. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 18(2):255-260.
- Yanagi Jr T, H Xin and RS Gates. 2002. Optimization of partial surface wetting to cool caged laying hens. Transactions of the ASAE 45(4):1091-1100.
- Casey KD, EF Wheeler, RS Gates, H Xin, PA Topper, JS Zajaczkowski, Y Liang, AJ Heber and LD Jacobson. 2002. Quality assured measurements of livestock building emissions: Part 4. Building ventilation rate. Proc of Symposium on Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology held on November 13-15, 2002 at the Cathedral Hill Hotel, San Francisco, CA organized by Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
A series of experiments were conducted that quantify the cooling needs (water evaporation rate) of laying hens cooled by intermittent partial surface wetting under various thermally challenging conditions. Functional relationship between the water application rate and the ambient conditions of air temperature, humidity and velocity were established that provides the basis for optimizing the operation of the cost-effective cooling method under commercial settings. Laboratory as well as field quantifications of heat and moisture production rates of modern poultry and their housing systems were performed for broilers, pullets and laying hens (0-66 weeks of age). In the case of pullets and layers, the sensible and latent heat production components are quantified to depict bioenergetics of the birds (i.e., excluding the influence of feces moisture evaporation) as well as the room thermal loads (i.e., including the influence of feces moisture evaporation). The data and
functional relationships were compared with those in the current literature, and bridged the literature gap in some cases. Computational algorithms were developed to characterize individual bird feeding behavioral parameters from time-series recordings of feed weight. The algorithms have been partially validated with video behavioral data. They will be used in our planned studies to quantify the effects of various management practices on feeding behavior of the birds, using the IBU (individual bird units) system that has been recently developed at ISU. A new collaborative project involving other land-grant universities (University of Kentucky, Penn State University, University of Nebraska), ARS, EPA researchers and a private consultant was initiated that aims to quantify aerial ammonia emission factors for poultry houses and to investigate means to reduce ammonia emissions.
Impacts
Intermittent partial surface wetting has been shown in our previous studies to effectively alleviate birds of heat stress. Optimization of the system will enhance the efficacy of the system under various weather conditions. The new data on heat and moisture production rates of modern poultry and housing systems will lead to improved, more efficient design and operation of the building ventilation systems, thereby improved indoor air quality and animal health. The computation algorithms for characterization of bird feeding behavior provide a tool/criterion for objectively evaluating the animal welfare from the standpoint of ingestion behavior. The ammonia emission factors for poultry housing systems and means to reduce emissions are urgently needed by the industry, academia and the regulatory agencies for the common goal to make the animal production agriculture environmentally sound and sustainable.
Publications
- Brown-Brandl TM, T Yanagi Jr, H Xin, RS Gates, R Bucklin and G Ross. 2001. Telemetry system for measuring core body temperature in livestock and poultry. ASAE Technical Paper 01-4031, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Chepete HJ, H Xin, RS Gates and MC Puma. 2001. Heat and moisture production of pullets and layers with or without contribution of feces. ASAE Technical Paper 01-4048, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Chepete HJ and H Xin. 2001. Heat and moisture production of poultry and their housing systems - A literature review. Proc. of the 6th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 21-23, 2001, Louisville, Kentucky, pp319-335. LCCN 2001090005, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Gates RS and H Xin. 2001. Comparative analysis of measurement techniques of feeding behavior of individual poultry. ASAE Technical Paper 01-4033, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Ikeguchi A and H Xin. 2001. Field evaluation of a sprinkling system for cooling commercial laying hens in Iowa. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17:217-221.
- Puma MC, H Xin, RS Gates and DJ Burnham. 2001. An instrumentation system for measuring feeding and drinking behavior of poultry. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17:365-374.
- Puma MC, H Xin, RS Gates and DU Ahn. 2001. Effects of drinking water temperature on laying hens subjected to warm cyclic environmental conditions. Proc. of the 6th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 21-23, 2001, Louisville, Kentucky, pp235-243. LCCN 2001090005, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Xin H, IL Berry, GT Tabler and TA Costello. 2001. Heat and moisture production of broiler chickens in commercial housing conditions. Proc. of the 6th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 21-23, 2001, Louisville, Kentucky, pp309-318. LCCN 2001090005, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Xin H and MC Puma. 2001. Cooling caged laying hens in high-rise house by fogging inlet air. Proc. of the 6th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 21-23, 2001, Louisville, Kentucky, pp244-249. LCCN 2001090005, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Yanagi Jr T, H Xin and RS Gates. 2001c. Modeling partial surface evaporative cooling of chickens. ASAE Technical Paper 01-3011, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE
- Yanagi Jr T, H Xin and RS Gates. 2001d. A thermal discomfort index for laying hens. ASAE Technical Paper 01-4064, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Yanagi Jr T, H Xin and RS Gates. 2001e. Optimization of partial surface wetting to cool caged laying hens. ASAE Technical Paper 01-4110, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Yanagi T Jr, H Xin and RS Gates. 2001. Measurement and control system for studying animal-environment interactions. Proc. of the World Congress of Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, September 19-21, 2001, Iquassu Falls, Brazil. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Yanagi T Jr, GS Damasceno, VH Teixeira and H Xin. 2001. Prediction of black globe humidity index in poultry buildings. Proc. of the 6th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 21-23, 2001, Louisville, Kentucky, pp482-489. LCCN 2001090005, St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
A study was initiated that quantifies the responses of laying hens to drinking water temperature (18C vs. 27C) under a warm diurnal environmental condition (27C to 35C). The preliminary results revealed that the cooler drinking water tended to be conducive to the hens, although significant differences were not very strong due to substantial variations among the individual birds (experimental unit). A larger number of birds should be involved in future verification studies. A comprehensive review and analysis of literature data on heat and moisture production (HP, MP) of poultry and housing system was performed. The review confirmed the need to update the HP and MP data to better reflect modern poultry production conditions. In the meantime, laboratory and field measurements of the HP and MP have been in progress. The third project deals with determination of water evaporation rate (WER) of laying hens cooled by partial surface (i.e., head and appendages) wetting under
a series of (24) air temperature (Ta), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and velocity (V) combinations. A measurement and control system has been developed and is being used in this study. The system employs a state-of-the-art IR thermal imaging unit for measurement of body surface temperature and distribution, a surgery-free telemetric unit for measurement of the deep body temperature, and precisely controlled environmental room (+/- 0.4C air temperature, +/- 2% RH, and +/- 0.1 m/s air velocity). Functional relations between the thermal factors and WER of the hens will be established. A thermal discomfort index for laying hens as related to Ta, VPD, and V will also be developed for this study.
Impacts
Use of cooler drinking water may provide the poultry industry another cost-effective means for combating summer heat stress. Accurate data on animal heat and moisture production rates are the cornerstones for proper design and operation of the animal housing system, thereby achievement of sustained animal well-being and production efficiency. Data on the water evaporation rate of laying hens cooled with partial surface wetting will allow for optimized application of the cooling water (via an intelligent controller) in commercial production settings.
Publications
- Chepete HJ and H Xin. 2000. Alleviating heat stress of laying hens by intermittent partial surface cooling. Transactions of the ASAE 43(4):965-971.
- Chinkuyu AJ, RS Kanwar, JC Lorimor and H Xin. 2000. Effects of poultry manure application on water quality. ASAE Technical Paper No.00-122. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Han T and H Xin. 2000. Effects of intermittent lighting on limited-fed neonatal chicks. Transactions of the ASAE 43(6):1767-1770.
- Ibarra JG, Y Tao and H Xin. 2000. Combined IR imaging - neural network for the estimate of internal temperature in cooked chicken meat. Optical Engineering 39(11):3032-3048.
- Ikeguchi A and H Xin. 2000. Field evaluation of a sprinkling system for cooling commercial laying hens in the Midwestern U.S. region. Applied Engineering in Agriculture (In press).
- Puma MC, H Xin, RS Gates and DJ Burnham. 2000. An instrumentation system for measuring feeding and drinking behavior of poultry. Applied Engineering in Agriculture (In press).
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
The efficacy of cooling laying hens kept in cages by intermittent partial surface sprinkling was quantified with both laboratory and field tests. Results of the lab test showed the following merits of the partial surface sprinkling as compared with no sprinkling: lower body temperature rise (4.3 vs. 5.7C; P<0.05), higher lethal heat load threshold (10.0 vs. 6.6 C-hr, P<0.05), longer survival time (145 to >480 vs. 92 to 266 min), and reduced mortality (20 to 60% vs. 100%). Reduction in surface temperature of the head and appendage area due to the sprinkling maximized at 2.2C. Under the environmental conditions of 40C, 45%RH, and 0.15-0.20 m/s, sprinkling (8 ml/bird) once every 5 to 6 min would prevent the surface temperature from rising. Results of the field test showed that sprinkling improved egg production by 2.6% overall and 5.6% for the top deck compared with the control (P<0.01). Sprinkling showed no adverse effects on the integrity of eggshell cuticles. There
was also no sign of feed quality deterioration (mold growth). The data further show that hens in the top tier benefited more from the sprinkling than those in the lower tiers. This implies that modifications of nozzle configuration or placement are needed. An instrumentation system for quantifying feeding and drinking behavior of individual poultry has been developed and tested with laying hens and broiler chickens under constant and cyclic thermal conditions. The system allows researchers to examine the interactive effects of thermal and nutritional manipulation on bird ingestion behavior and performance. A study has been initiated that quantifies heat and moisture production rates of modern poultry and their housing or management systems. The data are anticipated to be used to update the literature data for improved building ventilation design and environmental control.
Impacts
The partial surface cooling of hens provides a potentially viable, cost-effective cooling method for the egg industry to better combat devastating heat waves. The system for studying interactions of environment and ingestion behavior of poultry provides a unique research tool for exploring various management schemes to improve production efficiency and bird well-being.
Publications
- Chepete HJ. 1999. Evaluation of intermittent partial surface wetting to relieve laying hens of heat stress. MS Thesis, Iowa State University, Parks Library, Ames, IA.
- Chepete HJ and Xin H. 1999. Evaluation of intermittent partial surface wetting on heat stress relief of laying hens. ASAE Paper No. 99-4219. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Chepete HJ and Xin H. 1999. Cooling poultry by surface wetting. ASAE Paper No. MC99-120. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Chepete HJ and Xin H. 1999. Alleviating heat stress of laying hens by intermittent partial surface cooling. Trans. of the ASAE (Accepted).
- Ikeguchi A and Xin H. 1999. A low-pressure sprinkling system for heat stress relief of caged laying hens. ASAE Paper No. 99-4220. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Lorimor JC and Xin H. 1999. Manure production and nutrient concentrations from high-rise layer houses. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 15(4):337-340.
- Puma M, Xin H, Gates RS, and Burnham DJ. 1999. An instrumentation system for measuring feeding and drinking behavior of poultry. ASAE Paper No. 99-4209. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Xin H. 1999. Evaluation of High-pressure Fogging and Low-pressure Sprinkling Systems for Heat Stress Relief and Aerosols Suppression in High-rise Caged Layer Houses. Final Project Report to Farmegg Products (Humboldt, IA) and Center for Advanced technology development (CATD).
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Heat and moisture production rates of modern young turkeys raised under lab-scale commercial production settings were quantified and compared with the literature data. Functional relationships were established that relate birds' age and body mass to their heat production rate, moisture production rate, and CO2 production rate. Guidelines on minimum ventilation rate (MVR) based on the newly collected data were established for selected cold outside conditions and thermoneutral inside conditions. Substantial discrepancies between the literature and the current study in the energetics of birds and production systems and MVR were delineated. The information is expected to be adopted by the professional societies such as ASAE and ASHRAE in upgrading their engineering practice standards. A study was initiated to examine the efficacy of cooling caged layers by intermittent partial (upper body) surface sprinkling. The study was conducted using both intensive lab measurement of
the physiological responses of the birds to the cooling and control (no cooling) regimens and extensive field measurement of the birds production performance. Preliminary results indicate that cooling by partial surface sprinkling significantly increases the heat tolerance of the laying hens and improves egg production. Work will continue into the next year to consolidate the preliminary findings with more measured physiological and performance data. This low-cost, retrofitable cooling system may provide an economically viable means to alleviate production losses caused by summer heat waves. A study was completed that measures the quantity and quality of manure production from high-rise layer houses in Iowa. The results have been disseminated in professional publication and popular press such as Poultry Times, Egg Industry, and Feed Stuff. These new data, confirming inadequacy of current literature values, have been adopted to replace the literature values so that more accurate
nutrient management plans can be developed. A state-of-the-art instrumentation system has been developed that will allow researchers to conduct studies on feeding and drinking behavior of poultry as influenced by environmental and nutritional manipulations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lorimor, J.C. and H. Xin. 1998. Manure production in high-rise layer houses in Iowa. ASAE Paper No. 98-2111. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
- Xin, H., H.J. Chepete, J. Shao, and J.L. Sell. 1998. Heat and moisture production and minimum ventilation requirements of tom turkeys during brooding-growing period. Transactions of the ASAE 41(5): 1489-1498.
- Xin, H. and Lorimor. 1998. Nutrient profile and production volume of manure from high-rise housed layers. In: Proc. of the 1998 Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, March 17-19,1998. St. Paul, MN.
- Xin, H. 1998. Ventilation to control poultry house air quality. In: Proc. of invited keynote presentations at the International Conference on Poultry Production Environment and Systems, Oct 20-23, 1998, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Cooperation - EMBRAPA, Concordia, Brazil.
- Xin, H. 1998. Old litter brooding for broilers needs proper ventilation. Poultry Times: October 19.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Responses of breeder chicks to potential environmental and nutritional stress during export shipment were further quantified. Methods for relieving chick stress during the shipments, by in-transit or pre-shipment supply of nutrients and structural modifications of the shipping system, were refined and validated via commercial air shipment trials. The techniques and recommendations developed from these studies are being increasingly adopted by the U.S. and international poultry breeder industries. The economic impact amounts to millions of dollars per year in profit for the industry. Work is currently underway to work with the international regulatory agencies on export of day-old breeder chicks to incorporate the new recommendations into the regulations. The research findings also contribute to the scientific literature in better understanding the copying mechanisms of young chicks to environmental stressors. Detailed results on each of the experiments can be found in
the respective publications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HAN,T. and XIN,H. 1997. Performance and energetics of neonatal chicks as influenced by intermittent "in-transit" lighting regimens. Proc. of the 5th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 29-31, 1997, Minneapolis, MN, pp948-953.
- TANAKA,A. and XIN,H. 1997. Energetics, mortality, and body mass change of breeder chicks subjected to different post-hatch feed dosages. Transactions of the ASAE 40(5):1457-1461.
- TANAKA,A. and XIN,H. 1997. Effects of structural and stacking configuration of containers for transporting chicks on their microenvironment. Transactions of the ASAE 40(3): 777-782.
- XIN,H. and LEE,K. 1997. Physiological evaluation of chick morbidity during extended post-hatch holding. Appl. Poultry Res. 6(4): 417-421.
- XIN,H. 1997. Mortality and body weight of neonatal breeder chicks as influenced by air temperature fluctuations. Appl. Poultry Res. 6:
- XIN,H. and LEE,K. 1997. Physiological responses of chicks to post-hatch nutritional conditions. Proc. of the 5th International Livestock Environment Symposium, May 29-31, 1997, Minneapolis, MN,
- HAN,T. 1997. Performance and energetics of neonatal chicks as influenced by intermittent in-transit lighting regimens. M.S. Thesis. Parks Library, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Energetics and physiological responses of breeder chicks to in-transit environmental and nutritional conditions were quantified. Mathematical models were established to delineate the relationships. Causes for elevated chick mortality associated with prolonged shipment duration were identified. Innovative methods to alleviate the in-transit nutritional stress were investigated and tested. The bioenergetics data provide a unique database for engineering design and operation of the chick transportation systems. The chick stress-alleviation techniques resulting from our studies are being adapted by the breeder company in international shipments of breeder chicks. While further field verification and refinement of the techniques are in progress, the economic impact of the research efforts has been estimated to be approximately $500,000 per year for an Iowa-based breeder company. Dynamic heat and moisture production of broilers as influenced by photoperiod was quantified.
The data provide new information for optimizing environmental control strategies in broiler housing.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- XIN,H. and HARMON,J.D. 1996. Responses of group-housed neonatal chicks to posthatch holding environment. Trans. of the ASAE 39(6):2249-2254.
- XIN,H., SELL,J. L., and AHN,D.U. 1996. Effect of light and darkness on heat and moisture production of broilers. Trans. of the ASAE 39(6):2255-2258.
- XIN,H. and LEE,K. 1996. Use of Aqua-Jel and feed for nutrient supply during long-journey air transport of baby chicks. Trans. of the ASAE 39(3):1123-1126.
- XIN,H., BERRY,I. L., and TABLER,G.T. 1996. Minimum ventilation requirement and associated energy cost for aerial ammonia control in broiler houses. Trans. of the ASAE 39(2):645-648.
- LEE,K. 1996. Characterizing physiological and energetic responses of young chicks to stress alleviating measures for long-journey air transport. M.S. Thesis. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. 83pp.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Part I:Transport conditions and chick mortalities associated with shipments of breeder chicks from Iowa to Asia were characterized. The relationships between chick mortality and journey duration were delineated by regression models. Potentially stressful environmental conditions were also quantified. The results suggest that efforts should be made to limit journey duration to 45 hr or less to minimize chick mortalities. Special attention should be paid to proper chick ventilation and air temperature during plane departure and arrival. Measures are needed to alleviate chick stress and loss for shipments lasting more than 45 hours. Part 2: Minimum ventilation rate (MVR) and the associated energy cost for aerial ammonia control in broiler production were analyzed using 3-year growout data from commercial-scale broiler houses. The MVR needed to control aerial ammonia within 25 to 30 PPM for growouts raised on old litters was as much as nine times the normal MVR needed for
moisture control during the first week of brooding. The elevated MVR translated to additional propane fuel of 136 L and 57 L per 1,000 birds when the outside temperature is -17.8C and 10C, respectively. This extra heat requirement should be included in the design of supplemental heat capacity. Broilers raised on old litters also tended to have higher carcass condemnation rates. Thus, housing cleaning after each growout, especially the brooding end of the house, is strongly recommended.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Xin, H. and S.R. Rieger. 1995. Transport conditions and mortalities associated with remote international shipment of young chicks. Transactions of the ASAE 38(6): 1863-1867.
- Xin, H. et al. 1996. Minimum ventilation requirement and associated energy cost for aerial ammonia control in broiler houses. Transactions of the ASAE (In press).
- Xin, H. and K. Lee. 1996. Use of aqua-jel and feed for nutrient supply during long distance transport of baby chicks. Transactions of ASAE (In press).
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