Ventilation and heating in poultry houses are crucial for maintaining the right environment for different types of birds. On 2025-05-10 12:09:00, ILVO announced a groundbreaking project to build a state-of-the-art poultry house in Merelbeke-Melle, designed to tackle climate challenges faced by Belgian poultry farmers.
- Ventilation and heating must be adjustable constantly
- Chicks require warmth around 32 degrees
- Mature chickens need cooler temperatures near 18 degrees
- Climate change challenges poultry heating and cooling
- ILVO builds high-tech poultry house for research
- New facility accommodates 14,000 chicks in compartments
Chicks require a warm environment around 32 degrees Celsius, while mature chickens need cooler temperatures near 18 degrees. This variation demands flexible and precise climate control, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to climate change.
ILVO’s new poultry house will replace six old test barns with a high-tech facility capable of housing up to 14,000 chicks. The building will feature nine compartments where light and climate can be individually regulated, offering a modern solution to a pressing agricultural challenge.
How can Belgian poultry farmers keep their flocks comfortable amid rising climate unpredictability? ILVO’s project highlights the importance of adaptable technology in agricultural practices. Key points include:
- Flexible temperature control tailored to specific poultry needs
- Advanced ventilation systems to maintain stable air quality
- Compartmentalized design allowing independent climate zones
- Capacity to house large numbers of chicks under optimal conditions
Looking ahead, the success of ILVO’s poultry house could set new standards for sustainable farming in Belgium. Will other agricultural sectors follow suit and embrace similar innovations? Farmers and policymakers alike should watch this project closely as a model for future resilience.
