Design and implementation of a low-cost multiparameter probe to evaluate the temporal variations of water quality conditions on an estuarine lagoon system.

The measurement of physicochemical variables to infer water quality is important since they help determine the distribution and abundance of aquatic organisms or pollution-related problems. Recently, the development of low-cost probes is a suitable alternative for continuous monitoring of these variables rather than the use of expensive instruments. In this work, a low-cost multiparameter probe (LCMP) has been developed to monitor water quality in an estuary located in Northwestern Mexico during a 3-month period. The LCMP integrates different sensors to an Arduino Nano microcontroller allowing to measure electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, water temperature, and tide level. Data files were stored in a data logger system consisting of a secure digital (SD) card module and a real-time clock module coupled to the Arduino microcontroller. To ensure continuous operation, the system was powered by four 3.7 V, 10,000 mAh rechargeable LiPo batteries. All LCMP components were encapsulated in a polyvinyl chloride pipe. The results show that the LCMP had a good agreement with a commercial-grade multiparameter probe and was able to monitor continuously in hourly time steps. Finally, the LCMP proved to be an alternative for the establishment of coastal observatories, which has been deficient due to limited funding.

Productive performance and surface temperatures of Japanese quail exposed to different environment conditions at start of lay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different environment conditions on productive performance and surface temperatures of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during the initial stage of laying. In environmental controlled chambers, the birds were subjected to different temperatures and air velocities at the feeder. A total of 216 Japanese quails were distributed randomly in 2 galvanized wire cages, with 3 partitions each and 27 birds/cage. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with 2 treatments (air velocity at the feeder: 0, 1, 2, and 3 m/s and air temperature: 17, 23, 29, and 35°C) and 6 replicates. The productive performance was analyzed statistically (Sigma Plot 12.0) by 2-way ANOVA, with treatment means separated by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). To evaluate the main effects and interactions of the factors, the Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test was performed using a mild condition as the control group (0 m/s). Feed intake did not differ (P > 0.05) among birds reared at temperatures of 23, 29, and 35°C, but higher feed intake was noted at 17°C. The mean values of egg production increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased air velocity levels. It was observed that there was an increase in egg production and feed intake with the intensification of air velocity at the feeder, regardless of ambient temperature. Egg weight and feed conversion were not affected by air velocity treatments (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between air temperature and mean surface temperature and head surface temperature. In contrast, a significant negative correlation was observed between air velocity and mean surface temperature and head surface temperature. Productive performance was affected by temperature and air velocity, except for egg weight and feed conversion, which was not influenced by air velocity. Air velocity is important in removing heat from the surface of birds.

Effects of carbon dioxide on turkey poult performance and behavior.

Appropriate ventilation of poultry facilities is critical for achieving optimum performance. Ventilation promotes good air exchange to remove harmful gases, excessive heat, moisture, and particulate matter. In a turkey brooder barn, carbon dioxide (CO2) may be present at higher levels during the winter due to reduced ventilation rates to maintain high temperatures. This higher CO2 may negatively affect turkey poult performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of subjecting tom turkey poults (commercial Large White Hybrid Converters) to different constant levels of atmospheric CO2 on their growth performance and behavior. In three consecutive replicate trials, a total of 552 poults were weighed post-hatch and randomly placed in 3 environmental control chambers, with 60 (Trial 1) and 62 (Trials 2 and 3) poults housed per chamber. They were reared with standard temperature and humidity levels for 3 wks. The poults were exposed to 3 different fixed CO2 concentrations of 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 ppm throughout each trial. Following each trial (replicate), the CO2 treatments were switched and assigned to a different chamber in order to expose each treatment to each chamber. At the end of each trial, all poults were sent to a local turkey producer to finish growout. For each trial, individual body weight and group feed intake were measured, and mortality and behavioral movement were recorded. Wk 3 and cumulative body weight gain of poults housed at 2,000 ppm CO2 was greater (P < 0.05) than those exposed to 4,000 and 6,000 ppm CO2. Feed intake and feed conversion were unaffected by the different CO2 concentrations. No significant difference in poult mortality was found between treatments. In addition, no effect of CO2 treatments was evident in the incidence of spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy for turkeys processed at 19 wk of age. Poults housed at the lower CO2 level (2,000 ppm) demonstrated reduced movement compared with those exposed to the 2 higher CO2 concentrations.

Activities and Ergonomics of Workers in Broiler Hatcheries

The objective this study was to assess ergonomic factors, posture and biomechanics of workers of a broiler egg hatchery. The analysis of ergonomic factors was based on physical work load, thermal environment, and exposure to light and noise. The posture of workers was analyzed using photographic records which were evaluated by the software program OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System). A biomechanics analysis was also performed based on the photographs taken of the employee at various angles, which were used as inputs to the Michigan two-dimensional biomechanical model software program. The results show that certain activities can be considered unhealthy due to the exposure of employees to physical and thermal overload. The continuous noise levels and lighting were outside the range considered adequate by the regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. The manner in which certain activities are carried out when associated with weight and poor posture can result in body lesions in broiler hatchery employees. It is therefore necessary to apply specific ergonomic programs, including scheduled breaks, training, and other measures in order to reduce or to eliminate the risks involved in these activities.

Activities and Ergonomics of Workers in Broiler Hatcheries

The objective this study was to assess ergonomic factors, posture and biomechanics of workers of a broiler egg hatchery. The analysis of ergonomic factors was based on physical work load, thermal environment, and exposure to light and noise. The posture of workers was analyzed using photographic records which were evaluated by the software program OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System). A biomechanics analysis was also performed based on the photographs taken of the employee at various angles, which were used as inputs to the Michigan two-dimensional biomechanical model software program. The results show that certain activities can be considered unhealthy due to the exposure of employees to physical and thermal overload. The continuous noise levels and lighting were outside the range considered adequate by the regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. The manner in which certain activities are carried out when associated with weight and poor posture can result in body lesions in broiler hatchery employees. It is therefore necessary to apply specific ergonomic programs, including scheduled breaks, training, and other measures in order to reduce or to eliminate the risks involved in these activities.(AU)

Thermal comfort zones for starter meat-type quails

The objective of this study was to determine thermal comfort ranges, as evaluated by air temperature and black-glove temperature and humidity index (BGTHI), for starter meat-type quails. Nine hundred quails were randomly distributed into five environmental chambers. Each chamber was programmed to provide different temperatures weekly. The following thermal environments were provided: SC - severe cold, MC - moderate cold, TC - recommended comfort environment, MH - moderate heat, and SH - severe heat. The best live performance was obtained when quails were submitted to temperatures of 36-39 ºC and BGTHI of 87.1 ± 0.4 and 91.4 ± 0.6 during the first week of rearing. Temperatures of 27-30 ºC and BGTHI of 75.8 ± 0.4 and 79.9 ± 0.6, during the second week, and temperature of 24 ºC and BGTHI of 70.8 ± 0.5 during the third week of rearing.(AU)

Thermal comfort zones for starter meat-type quails

The objective of this study was to determine thermal comfort ranges, as evaluated by air temperature and black-glove temperature and humidity index (BGTHI), for starter meat-type quails. Nine hundred quails were randomly distributed into five environmental chambers. Each chamber was programmed to provide different temperatures weekly. The following thermal environments were provided: SC - severe cold, MC - moderate cold, TC - recommended comfort environment, MH - moderate heat, and SH - severe heat. The best live performance was obtained when quails were submitted to temperatures of 36-39 ºC and BGTHI of 87.1 ± 0.4 and 91.4 ± 0.6 during the first week of rearing. Temperatures of 27-30 ºC and BGTHI of 75.8 ± 0.4 and 79.9 ± 0.6, during the second week, and temperature of 24 ºC and BGTHI of 70.8 ± 0.5 during the third week of rearing.

Thermal comfort zones for starter meat-type quails

The objective of this study was to determine thermal comfort ranges, as evaluated by air temperature and black-glove temperature and humidity index (BGTHI), for starter meat-type quails. Nine hundred quails were randomly distributed into five environmental chambers. Each chamber was programmed to provide different temperatures weekly. The following thermal environments were provided: SC - severe cold, MC - moderate cold, TC - recommended comfort environment, MH - moderate heat, and SH - severe heat. The best live performance was obtained when quails were submitted to temperatures of 36-39 ºC and BGTHI of 87.1 ± 0.4 and 91.4 ± 0.6 during the first week of rearing. Temperatures of 27-30 ºC and BGTHI of 75.8 ± 0.4 and 79.9 ± 0.6, during the second week, and temperature of 24 ºC and BGTHI of 70.8 ± 0.5 during the third week of rearing.