Effect of thermal environment on performance of broiler chickens using fuzzy modeling

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a decision-support system based on fuzzy set theory, which can estimate welfare depending on the production responses of broiler chickens raised in climatic chambers. In the first phase, the influence of four different air temperature conditions on the performance of broilers was identified. Thus, the effect of air temperature on productivity was evaluated. In the second phase, a model was developed using the fuzzy set theory, in which feed intake responses, weight gain, and feed conversion were established according to age and the air temperature at which the birds were maintained, obtaining an efficient evaluation of the thermal environment. The results indicate that the proposed methodology is a promising technique for the determination of the level of thermal comfort endured by broilers, capable of assisting in making decisions on control of the thermal environment, avoiding productivity losses.