VAL-CO will feature SRP® infrared brooders designed for optimal chick comfort to promote growth. The AUX range offered in the U.S. comprises 20 ft. units rated at either 80,000 or 100,00 BTU/hr. SRP® series infrared tube heaters eliminate hot spots over litter and can be ordered with SMART Optizone controllers that allow decentralized zoning, remote monitoring, allowing changes in set points and alerts.
The 20 ft. long radiant tube heaters are endorsed by agricultural engineers affiliated with the UGA Extension Poultry Science Service based on their field evaluation based on even distribution of heat promoting regular distribution of chicks. Temperature variations at litter level are less than 10F in houses. Thermal imaging during brooding provided data supporting the litter-level temperatures located adjacent to outside feeder lines and inside drinker lines.
The University of Georgia extension specialists recommend installing two rows of 20 ft. heaters within 6 ft. of the outer feed lines lengthwise in the brooding area. This arrangement distributes heat evenly over the litter area closer to the sidewalls reducing litter moisture and places the tube heaters closest to incoming cold air from the sidewall inlets. This helps to counteract leakage of cold air through fissures in the sidewalls of older houses.
Further field trials are in progress to evaluate advantages from longer infrared radiant brooders with special reference to fuel consumption, evenness of the flock, feed consumption efficiency and settlement values for flocks.