Managing Moisture: The Hidden Danger to Broiler Health and Performance

Progressus
Aug 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Understanding the Impact of Moisture on Poultry

Uncontrolled moisture is a significant issue for broiler farmers. High humidity and moisture accumulation in litter can lead to various health problems for the flock. These issues often take time to manifest, making constant monitoring of house conditions crucial.

The Dangers of Excess Moisture

When moisture goes unchecked, it can lead to several problems:

High Ammonia Levels: Damp manure doesn't dry efficiently, leading to caked litter and increased ammonia concentration. This negatively impacts broiler health, welfare, and performance.

Respiratory Issues: High moisture creates a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and molds. These organisms can release spores and toxins, causing respiratory distress, labored breathing, and reduced lung function in broilers.

Heat Stress: High humidity makes it harder for birds to cool themselves through evaporative cooling. This increases their risk of heat stress, leading to reduced feed intake, decreased weight gain, and even mortality.

Skin Conditions: Damp litter can cause painful conditions like footpad dermatitis and breast blisters. These lesions can become infected, causing discomfort, reduced mobility, and increased susceptibility to other infections.

Poor Feed Conversion: Broilers under moisture-related stress may divert energy to coping mechanisms instead of growth. This results in a decreased feed conversion rate, meaning more feed is required to achieve the same weight gain, directly impacting production costs.

Three Key Steps to Controlling Moisture

A successful approach to moisture control involves a delicate balance of ventilation, water management, and the building structure itself.

Efficient Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for controlling relative humidity. It's important to monitor ventilation levels and ensure fans and air intakes are working optimally to provide uniform air circulation.

Preventing Leaks: Malfunctioning or leaking drinking systems can contribute significantly to moisture buildup. Regularly inspecting and maintaining water systems helps prevent wet surfaces, which can lead to litter caking and excessive ammonia.

Ensuring an Airtight House: A well-sealed house is necessary for the ventilation system to work correctly. Cracks and loose areas can disrupt air circulation and cause humidity to rise. An airtight structure also prevents the fans from having to work harder, saving on energy consumption and costs.

The Importance of Monitoring Conditions

Monitoring conditions in the poultry house is vital. Farmers should regularly check humidity levels and litter conditions. This proactive approach allows for early detection of potential problems. By addressing issues promptly, farmers can maintain a healthy environment for their birds.

Implementing Effective Strategies

By implementing these strategies, farmers can ensure an environment that fosters a healthy and high-performing flock. The right balance of ventilation, water system management, and house design is essential.

Expert Guidance for Optimal Results

Knowing how to fine-tune these systems in real farm conditions requires more than theory — it takes expert guidance. That’s why the In-Person AgriSchool: Broiler Management & Farm House Ventilation Poultry (Sept 22–26, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand) is designed to give participants hands-on learning directly from specialists. The program includes exclusive sessions on ventilation strategies to manage humidity effectively. Join us to gain the knowledge and practical tools needed to create healthier, more productive flocks.