The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different poultry house heating systems on the thermal comfort and performance of broiler chicks during the winter period, in the southern region of Brazil. Three buildings were used, each containing 17,700 broiler chickens (Cobb), during two complete productive cycles. Three heating systems were evaluated: furnace with indirect air heating; infrared heater and radiant experimental "drum" system with an infrared supplemental heating system. In order to evaluate the thermal environment and animal performance, a randomized block experimental design with three heating system was used, in two complete productive cycles. In the first two weeks after birth, the radiant experimental "drum" system is the most efficient in maintaining the air temperature and relative humidity in thermal comfort condition of the broiler chicks and, consequently, result in the best results of weigh gain, dietary conversion and efficient production.
animal environment; broiler chicks; poultry
