Controlled environment systems for experimental animals. I. A unidirectional air flow brooder for chicks

Abstract

A hot-air, 2-tier brooder has been designed for rearing and experimental work with 100 pathogen-free chicks up to the age of 3 weeks. It provides a high degree of protection against infection without having to resort to the inconvenience of isolator techniques. Filtered air is supplied horizontally at a constant velocity of 0.51 m/sec (100 ft/min). Temperature can be varied from ambient to 35°C (95°F) and can be controlled to within 0.5°C (1°F). In it chicks grew faster and more uniformly than in a conventional hot-panel brooder.