INFO SHEET
The Importance
of Monitoring
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
in Turkey Production
[email protected]
www.hybridturkeys.com
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) in Turkey Production
With respect to turkey production, flock
performance is dependent upon many
factors; including the environment we place
them into. As such, environmental control
has become increasingly more important in
recent years.
Finished flock performance can be influenced early in the
production cycle­­—and it should be a priority to ensure
that this happens. When poults get off to a good start (low
mortality, good uniformity and morbidity), they develop
good gut health through regular feeding and drinking
patterns. This allows the bird to realize the improved genetic
gains that a Hybrid Turkey can offer each year.
Good flock performance can be achieved, whether you
have the most innovative and up-to-date equipment or
have an older barn that is managed well. However, if you
don’t monitor the environmental conditions to know what is
really happening to air quality, you can compromise bird
health and performance very easily.
All turkey operations measure, and some monitor,
temperature levels to help manage ventilation requirements.
Some growers have realized that measuring humidity
levels as well, can make a large difference in air and litter
quality. Very few operators monitor and measure Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in turkey
barns. This info sheet will examine the effects of excessive
carbon dioxide and outline the benefits of monitoring it.
Effects of Excessive Carbon
Dioxide Levels
Various studies have been conducted to show that
elevated carbon dioxide levels can negatively impact
bird performance.1,2 Levels as high as 2 500 ppm of
carbon dioxide are known to increase the incidence of
roundheart disease. Excessive carbon dioxide can cause
inactivity in birds, such as reduced feed intake and altered
metabolism. Carbon dioxide, at these high levels, can
also have a negative impact on gut health and overall
flock performance.
Roundheart Disease
Dr. David Frame, an Extension Poultry Specialist with Utah
State University, studied the effects of carbon dioxide on
roundheart disease. It was demonstrated that levels above
2 500 ppm of carbon dioxide were linked to significant
spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy (STC). Carbon dioxide
is formed through the normal combustion of fuel in brooder
stoves and heaters as well as through the respiration of the
birds. Low ventilation rates, due to poor air mixing and
distribution, can result in elevated levels as well as pockets
of carbon dioxide, thus increasing the risk for high carbon
dioxide levels.1
Inactivity in Birds
Birds at all ages are affected by elevated levels of carbon
dioxide; however poults show significant effects. High levels
of carbon dioxide cause poults to become lethargic and
inactive. They begin to huddle as metabolism and feed
intake are reduced. They become chilled, even though barn
temperatures are adequate.
INFO SHEET | Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Turkey Production | 2
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) in Turkey Production
Gut Health and Overall Flock Performance
Example 1
An article in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research2
evaluated exposure to excessive carbon dioxide as it relates
to early poult mortality. It was found that levels of
4 000 ppm of carbon dioxide caused reduced thyroid
activity, which led to decreased metabolism of the bird.
When this happens, birds become lethargic, reducing their
feed and water consumption. This can lead to poor gut
development and an imbalance of gut microflora leading to
cecal destabilization and, eventually, enteritis. When cecal
destabilization occurs, litter becomes wet and environmental
conditions can deteriorate. This can lead to poor flock
performance, including low weight, poor skeletal
development and poor uniformity.
The graphs below show an example where the relative
humidity was in check for most of the time period
monitored; however the carbon dioxide level was in excess
of our recommended goals. This is an example where
potential growth issues can occur.
66
64
62
60%
goal
60
58
%RH
56
54
52
50
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6:10:30
Exposure to 4 000 ppm of carbon dioxide can result in
altered metabolism, depleted glycogen reserves, lowered
liver glucose levels and lowered blood oxygen levels. A
study by Dr. Christensen2 noted that all poults exposed to
4 000 ppm of carbon dioxide fell asleep; indicating that
carbon dioxide levels must be kept well below 4 000 ppm.
This is consistent with the findings of Dr. Frame1.
Relative Humidity Data
Measurement
Measuring carbon dioxide and humidity levels can be done
easily and is relatively inexpensive. Commercial monitors,
such as the Extech SD800 plug-in model or Amprobe
CO2-100, are available to monitor and record carbon
dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels.
CO2 Data
10 000
Recommended Levels
Carbon Dioxide: Hybrid Turkeys recommends maintaining
a goal of 2 500 ppm.
Humidity: Hybrid Turkeys recommends maintaining a goal
of less than 60% relative humidity. This will help ensure air
maintains low levels of ammonia and aid in maintaining
drier litter.
9 000
8 000
7 000
6 000
CO2,ppm
5 000
4 000 ppm
goal
suggested
by studies
4 000
3 000
Hybrid’s
2 500 ppm
goals
2 000
1 000
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6:10:30
0
INFO SHEET | Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Turkey Production | 3
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) in Turkey Production
Example 2
This next graph displays the effects of varying levels of
ventilation on humidity and carbon dioxide readings. You
will notice on the left hand side of the graph, where two
24” fans were operating, that there is extreme variation in
the humidity and carbon dioxide levels. Where two 36”
fans were operating, shown in the far right of the graph,
this allowed for proper air volume and static pressure,
which mixed the air efficiently at the ceiling and throughout
the barn.
It is evident that improving the ventilation rate and air
distribution will improve both carbon dioxide and humidity
levels. It is important to note that during the period using
two 36” fans, less propane was used compared to the
period which was using two 24” fans. Therefore, proper
ventilation in the hatchery, poult trucks and brooding barns
is critical. Examination of proper ventilation requires
monitoring carbon dioxide levels.
Ventilation Comparison
40
5 000
2–24” fans 50 seconds on, 190 seconds off
2–36” fans 60 seconds on, 240 seconds off
35
4 500
4 000
30
3 500
25
3 000
20
2 500
2 000
15
1 500
10
1 000
Poult Placement
5
2–24” fans 120 seconds on, 180 seconds off
500
0
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INFO SHEET | Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Turkey Production | 4
Humidity
CO2
Linear (CO2)
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) in Turkey Production
The Future of Environmental Monitoring
Studies have been conducted to evaluate elevated carbon
dioxide levels in hot weather; such as one by C. Bennett
which found a correlation between elevated carbon dioxide
levels and heat stress.3 More studies need to be conducted
to understand the effects of high carbon dioxide in
commercial housing in cold weather. Carbon monoxide
levels also need to be evaluated to better understand their
effects on the environment around our birds.
It is important to monitor and log carbon monoxide levels to
be certain they are not elevated for extended periods. It has
been reported1 that levels above 25 ppm of carbon
monoxide, for extended periods, can cause roundheart
disease and poor performance. Using a data logger such as
the LASCAR CO2 logger can track levels over time. You can
see in the example below that levels can be elevated well
above the recommended 25 ppm of carbon monoxide yet
many barn operators are not aware of this.
Carbon Monoxide Tracking
90
80
70
60
50
CO (ppm)
40
30
20
GOAL Level—25-30 ppm
10
1/18/2012 17:46
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1/19/2012 22:11
1/20/2012 17:46
1/20/2012 0:46
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1/21/2012 0:01
1/21/2012 2:36
1/21/2012 5:11
1/21/2012 7:46
1/21/2012 10:21
1/21/2012 12:56
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1/21/2012 18:06
1/21/2012 20:41
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1/22/2012 1:51
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1/22/2012 7:01
1/22/2012 9:36
1/22/2012 12:11
1/22/2012 14:46
1/22/2012 17:21
1/22/2012 19:56
1/22/2012 22:31
1/23/2012 1:06
1/23/2012 3:41
1/23/2012 6:16
1/23/2012 8:51
1/23/2012 11:26
0
INFO SHEET | Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Turkey Production | 5
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) in Turkey Production
Conclusions
References
Today’s commercial turkeys are growing heavier at younger
ages and with improved feed conversions. Understanding
the impact of the environment surrounding the birds,
including carbon dioxide, is critical to enabling the turkey to
reach its full genetic potential.
1. David D. Frame, Robert E. Buckner, Gary L. Anderson, Causes and
Control of Spontaneous Cardiomyopathy or Roundheart Disease in Utah,
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/AG_506.pdf
2. V.L. Christensen et al., “Exposure to Excessive Carbon Dioxide: A Risk
Factor for Early Poult Mortality,” Journal of Applied Poultry Research 4:3
(Fall 1995): 249-253.
3. C. Bennett, “How to use a Hand-held Carbon Dioxide Monitor to
Evaluate Summer Ventilation in Poultry Houses,”
Zootecnica International, World’s Poultry Journal (May 2008).
© Hybrid Turkeys
Unless otherwise specified, the information provided here is the property
of Hybrid Turkeys. Before reproducing or publishing this material in
any manner, please obtain approval by contacting the Hybrid Turkeys’
head office in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Environmental monitors such as Extech SD800, Amprobe CO2-100 and
LASCAR CO2 mentioned here in are as examples and are not endorsed in
any way by Hybrid Turkeys.
[email protected]
www.hybridturkeys.com
INFO SHEET | Monitoring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Turkey Production | 6