Microclimate modification in broiler chicken during hot-dry summer: Effect on growth performance, carcass traits and cost economics

Baghel, P.S., Narwaria, U.S., Mishra, A.K., Tiwari, S., Singh, A., Ahirwar, M.K., Verma, M.R. and Verma, K.K. 2025. Microclimate modification in broiler chicken during hot-dry summer: Effect on growth performance, carcass traits and cost economics. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 60(1): 65-73. The present work investigated the effect of microclimate modification on growth, carcass traits, and cost economics of broiler chicken during hot-dry summer. One-day-old, 160 chicks (Vencobb 400) were randomly distributed into four equal groups each having four replicates (10 birds in each). Control group (T0) birds were kept under a metal sheet roofed shed without any modification, while modified sheds had a false ceiling of paddy straw thatch (T1), sprinklers above the roof (T2), and foggers under the roof (T3). The mean air temperature and temperature humidity index (THI) were lower (p<0.05) inside the sheds T1, T2, and T3 than T0 shed. Broilers of group T3 showed higher (p<0.05) body weight and feed intake than the T0 group. Relatively lower values of feed conversion ratio (FCR) and water intake were observed in group T3 followed by T2, T1, and T0 groups. The values of dressed weight and meat bone ratio were relatively higher in groups T1, T2, and T3 than in the T0 group. The profit per bird was maximum for group T3, followed by T2, T1, and T0 groups. The benefit-cost ratio was highest (1.20) for group T3 and lowest (1.13) for the T0 group. The findings of the present study revealed that microclimate modification using false ceiling, and intermittent sprinkling, and fogging offered a relatively comfortable micro-environment which improved both the productivity and profitability of broiler farming during heat stress. Therefore, such shelter modifications may be applied to ameliorate heat stress in broilers during hot-dry summer. Additionally, more use of paddy straw as false ceiling material not only improves the thermal comfort of the chickens during summer but also protects the environment by reducing its burning in the agriculture fields.