Georgia Researchers Turn to Smart Tech to Improve Poultry House Conditions

The Farm Monitor takes us along to see how they’re leaning on technology to improve poultry production.

TIFTON, Ga. (Farm Monitor) — Keeping a poultry house comfortable is key to a happy flock.

Dr. Brian Fairchild, a professor with the University of Georgia’s Department of Poultry Science, says tools like thermal cameras, pressure gauges, and airflow monitors help producers keep conditions in check.

Fairchild says thermal cameras allow producers to quickly spot temperature differences inside a poultry house. Birds naturally give off heat, showing up brighter on the screen, while cooler areas appear darker. That can be especially important when birds are young and more sensitive to colder temperatures.

He says pressure gauges are another tool, helping producers identify potential air leaks inside the house.

Those measurements can be used with Poultry411, an app Fairchild developed to help producers calculate and manage different environmental factors.

“We developed the Poultry411 app about five or six years ago. It’s got five calculators in it. Probably the two that you use the most are the minimum ventilation calculator and the poultry house leakage calculator.”

The Poultry411 app is available on both iOS and Android and includes tools for English and Spanish users.

LEARN MORE: Poultry 411

Related Stories
Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop
Rising poultry supply is pressuring prices despite steady demand.
For Chrystal Castelloe, farming is more than her job. It is a sense of freedom. The North Carolina Farm Bureau takes us to Castelloe Farms and Sale Barn Farm to learn her story.
Silver fox rabbits, Belgian horses among those making a comeback
Product targets nutrient loss while supporting plant growth
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the DOJ investigation into U.S. beef packers, concerns about cattle pricing, and ongoing trade and animal health issues affecting producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.