Introduction Heat stress is a major constraint to poultry production in arid and semi-arid regions. Methods This study evaluated the performance of a newly developed multi-stage direct evaporative cooling (DEC) system in comparison with a conventional DEC system in broiler and layer poultry houses in Kuwait. Results The multi stage DEC System achieved a 24% reduction in energy use intensity and a 48% reduction in water use intensity. Broiler body weight increased by 18.5% (battery -reared) and 38.6% (floor-reared) and feed efficiency improved by 15- 51%. For laying hens, feed efficiency improved by 18-23%, egg weight increased by 5% and egg mass by 10%. Discussion The multi-stage DEC system enhances cooling efficiency and poultry performance under arid conditions, providing a sustainable solution.
Al-khalaifah et al. (Fri,) studied this question.