Real-Time Environmental Monitoring in Poultry Houses: an IoT Solution for Sustainable Management

Objective: This study presents the development, implementation, and validation of a remote environmental monitoring system based on Internet of Things (IoT), aimed at improving poultry management in small-scale farming contexts. The system uses DHT11 sensors, ESP32-WROOM microcontrollers, and the Adafruit IO platform, with data transmission via the MQTT protocol. Theoretical Framework: Environmental control in poultry houses is essential for bird welfare and productivity, and it is particularly challenging in family farming systems. IoT emerges as an accessible alternative for real-time data collection and analysis, enabling more precise and sustainable management interventions. Method: The research was conducted in a semi-open poultry shed with 28 Isa Brown hens in Parintins-AM. Three IoT devices were positioned at different points in the shed, one of which was equipped with a 16×2 LCD (I2C) display. Temperature and humidity data were collected every 15 minutes and analyzed in real-time. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrated that the system operated stably for 17 consecutive days, revealing internal microclimates and enabling adjustments in management. A significant reduction in relative humidity was observed, from 85-95% to 40-70%, coinciding with improvements in animal welfare and a weekly increase in egg production. Although a direct causal relationship cannot be established, the data suggest that the system contributed to more effective management decisions. Research Implications: The proposed solution is low-cost, replicable, and scalable, with great potential for application in various productive contexts. Its modular structure allows for expansion to include new variables and adaptation to different production scales, establishing itself as a strategic tool for data-driven environmental management. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature by proposing a practical and accessible IoT solution for environmental monitoring in poultry houses. The system demonstrated effectiveness in collecting and transmitting real-time data, providing relevant support for management decisions and enabling the identification of environmental patterns correlated with productivity. Although it did not directly influence decision-making or control other productive variables, the system validated its role as a support tool for environmental management. Its modular structure allows for expansion to new variables and adaptation to different production scales.