Risk factors for poor health and performance in European broiler production systems

BMC Veterinary Research

Table 1 Descriptive results of the housing of the broiler farms included in the study

Subcategory	Situation on farm	Number of farms^d	% of total
Floor quality^a	Smooth impervious	132	37.7
	Fair condition	46	13.1
	Cracked to some degree	165	45.9
	Compacted earth	15	4.2
Ventilation^b	Roof ventilation	104	29.1
	Cross ventilation	74	20.7
	Roof x Tunnel ventilation	72	20.2
	Tunnel	40	11.2
	Cross x Tunnel ventilation	37	10.3
	Natural ventilation	26	7.3
	Other	5	1.4
Heating system^c	Direct	194	54.3
Heating system^c	Indirect	164	45.7

^aFloor quality was scored into four categories from “smooth impervious” (best situation) to “compacted earth” (worst situation). ^bThe type of ventilation system used to refresh the air inside the broiler house. ^cThe heating system was classified into two categories: direct heating (CO₂ is produced inside the broiler house) and indirect heating (no CO₂ is produced inside the broiler house. ^d Number of farms that have this situation on farm, a total of 358 broiler farms participated in this study

ISSN: 1746-6148