논문 상세보기
pp.48-55
There is no doubt that global warming and climate change affect animal production and sustainability of livestock systems. High ambient temperature and humidity have detrimental effects on the performance of laying hens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cyclic temperatures on the performance and egg quality of laying hens during the summer in Korea. A total of 1028 Hy-Line Brown layers were reared in the open floor house and exposed to a 24 hr linear temperature cycle ranging from 21.7 to 33.0℃. Feed intake significantly decreased and cracked eggs increased under high ambient temperature or high THI (Temperature Humidity Index). Egg production was decreased gradually from 21 to 29℃ or from 21 to 26 THI. On the other hens, it was increased above 30℃ or 27 THI rather than decreased. High ambient temperature has no important impact on dirty eggs and mortality in this study. We believe that present data contribute to predict the effect of thermal conditions on the performance of laying hens by using ambient temperature or THI
