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Title: THE EFFECT OF ELECTROSTATIC SPACE CHARGE IN REDUCING DUST AND MICROORGANISMS DURING THE REARING OF BROILER BREEDER PULLETS

Author
item RICHARDSON, L - UNIV OF GEORGIA-ATHENS
item Mitchell, Bailey
item WILSON, J - UNIV OF GEORGIA-ATHENS
item HOFACRE, C - UNIV OF GEORGIA-ATHENS

Submitted to: Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2004
Publication Date: 8/11/2004
Citation: Richardson, L.J., Mitchell, B.W., Wilson, J.L., Hofacre, C.L. 2004. The Effect Of Electrostatic Space Charge In Reducing Dust And Microorganisms During The Rearing Of Broiler Breeder Pullets. Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: High levels of dust and microorganisms are known to be associated with animal confinement rearing facilities. Broiler breeder pullets are grown on litter floors for 20-22 weeks before they are moved to laying houses resulting in the accumulation of dust on walls, drinkers, feeders etc. Microorganisms are carried by dust particles, thus providing an excellent vector for horizontal disease transmission between birds. Two environmentally controlled rooms containing female broiler breeder pullets (n=300) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of an electrostatic space charge system (ESCS) in reducing airborne dust and gram-negative bacteria levels over an eight-week period (starting when the birds were 10 weeks old). The ESCS was used to evaluate the effectiveness in charging airborne dust particles and causing the particles to be attracted to grounded surfaces (i.e., walls, floor, equipment), reducing airborne microorganism levels. The use of the ESCS resulted in a 64% mean reduction of total gram-negative bacteria. Airborne dust levels were reduced from an average of 37% over a one-week period in the experimental room compared to the control room. The reductions of airborne dust and bacteria in this study are comparable to earlier results obtained with the ESCS in commercial hatching cabinets and experimental caged layer rooms, suggesting the system could also be applied to other types of enclosed animal housing.