Thermal Response of Three Strains of Hens Housed in a Cage-Free Aviary at the Amazon Rainforest

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the thermal response of three strains hens housed in a cage-free system at Amazon rainforest order how feather coverage influences exchange with environment. The experimental method was completely randomized and treatments comprised (Rhode Island Red (red feathers on neck), alternative strain FCI without FCIII (white neck)), 20 (replicates) analyzed per strain. Thermal images each bird were captured record birds’ surface temperatures five points targets. All data collected this subjected ANOVA subsequently Tukey test p≤0.01 p≤0.05. aviary’s left wall presented lower average temperature, indicating heat accumulation, while floor higher accumulation. feathers) (p<0.05) accumulation head legs, neck back relation other hens, increased efficiency high concentration process specific body areas. (without neck) that directly influenced mechanisms, an area provided great zones for birds tropical climate.