Mapping of microclimates formed by humidity and temperature in transport loads of heavy broilers in pre-slaughter loads of heavy broilers in pre-slaughte.
Poultry, heat stress, data logger, animal welfare.
The mortality of birds during the period of transport from the aviary to the refrigerator is a matter of great relevance in agribusiness. During the transport process, variations in temperature and humidity can occur that result in heat stress and, consequently, lead to changes in the quality of the meat and death of the animals. The objective of this work is to verify the formation of microclimates at different points of load that can generate heat stress and death of chickens during pre-slaughter transport. 30 trucks (10 per group) will be evaluated for loading heavy chickens ready for slaughter with an average weight of 2,800 kg. The trucks will be separated into three groups, according to the distance from the aviaries to the slaughterhouse: group G1(3 to 39km); G2 (40 to 75km); and G3 (74 to 104km). 9 data loggers will be used allocated inside the loading boxes, distributed at equidistant points positioned within the cargo so that the humidity and temperature variables can be measured every 10 minutes from the moment the cargo finishes being wet, with a volume of 1000 liters of water, until arrival at the refrigerator, before the truck enters the waiting shed. The tests will be in the months of December and January, where the average temperature of the days is higher. Ambient temperature and humidity will be recorded based on INMET. Mean values will be subjected to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey test. The mapping of critical microclimate points in the load will be of paramount importancy to modify if necessary, the way de birds are loaded, minimizing impacts to chickens and the industry.