Heating and Cooling Requirements in Relation to Broiler Breeding, Case Study: Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

The performance of broiler chickens is directly influenced by temperature changes and the occurrence of heat stress, whether it is cold or hot. The present study aims to assess the cooling and heating degree days in different stages of broiler chicken production in Khorasan Razavi province. To achieve this objective, daily average temperature data were collected from 13 synoptic stations during the statistical period of 1988-2018. Cooling and heating degree days were calculated for each week of production using specific thresholds, and their spatial distribution was analyzed. Furthermore, the relationship between cooling and heating degree days and geographical features was evaluated. The findings indicate a decrease in cooling degree days and an increase in heating degree days as latitude increases. The northern and western regions of the province exhibited a greater need for heating throughout all stages of broiler chicken production, whereas the eastern and southern regions had higher cooling requirements at different production stages. Overall, the northeastern, southern, and western marginal areas of the province, including Khaf, Gonabad, Kashmar, Sarakhs, and Sabzevar, exhibited the lowest cooling and heating needs during the 6-week period of broiler chicken production, making them suitable climates for this economic activity.