Effect of roofing materials on housing environment and layer performance under open-shed system

I. M. Sharif and E. A. Engku Azahan

Abstract

A comparative study on the performance of three roofing shees namely aluminium, asbestos and zinc, to minimise heat stress on the layers in an open-shed system was conducted. The environmental discomfort under these roofing materials was studied using a mathematical model, the black globe humidity index. In comparison with asbestos and zinc, aluminium roof gave a significantly lower discomfort index during the period of high solar radiation. Analysis on production performance of layers indicated the tendency of increase in egg production and egg weight. The feed conversion efficiency was better for layers reared in the shed with aluminium roof. Resuls therefore indicate that aluminium is more effective as a radiation shield under heat stress eavironment.

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