The demand for a more sustainable food production increases every year. To live up to this, food producers must keep enhancing their production and make sure that the animals have the best living conditions possible in order to avoid mortality, enhanced FCR, and poor meat quality. This calls for accurate real-time data.

Accurate Real-time Data

Constantly monitoring the climate in livestock houses is essential to create optimal animal welfare and the most efficient production. It is no longer enought to measure the temperature, humidity, CO2, and ammonia once in a while. Climate sensors of the future provide accurate real-time data allowing for more timely and effective decision-making, when it comes to managing the production, since the farmer or farm manager get an up-to-date picture of the production.

The Importance of Accurate Data

One of the key benefits of using climate sensors in poultry houses is that they can help prevent the spread of disease. Poultry are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections, which can be exacerbated by poor air quality. By monitoring the levels of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and humidity, you can make sure that the air inside the poultry house is fresh and free from harmful gases.

In a poultry production, the temperature and humidity play an important role during the entire life of the chicken from hatchery and hatching until they are sent to slaughter. Chickens are very sensitive to temperature changes. If it is too cold, the chickens might eat more and stick together to keep warm, meaning they produce more fat than meat due to the combination of high feed consumption and low movement. A low temperature might also cause egg laying problems.

Whether the data from the climate sensors is accurate or not has a huge impact on the production. As mentioned, temperature and humidity have a great effect on the production and animal welfare which makes it vital that the measurements are accurate. Accurate data can lead to less stress on birds and thus greater productivity.

Environmental stability is essential for maintaining health, welfare, and uniform growth in poultry production. When temperature, air quality, and airflow are not monitored continuously, deviations often develop gradually and remain unnoticed until they have already affected flock performance. These changes influence bird behavior and overall productivity.

Temperature Drift and Uneven Growth

Temperature variation is one of the earliest consequences of inadequate monitoring. Birds respond by clustering in warmer areas and avoiding cooler zones, which alters feed access and increases competition. Over time, these behavioral adjustments lead to measurable differences in body weight and feed conversion. Because temperature drift develops slowly, it is rarely detected through periodic checks alone.

Humidity Rise and Litter Stagnation

Humidity increases rapidly when ventilation is reduced, especially during nighttime or cold weather. Without monitoring, these fluctuations remain unnoticed until litter becomes wet or compacted. Elevated humidity accelerates ammonia release and reduces resting comfort. Birds avoid wet areas, concentrating stocking density in drier zones and reinforcing uneven growth patterns.

Air Quality Decline: CO₂ and Ammonia Accumulation

CO₂ and ammonia are invisible and cannot be reliably assessed through sensory cues. When ventilation weakens, CO₂ accumulates quickly, reducing bird activity and suppressing feed intake. Ammonia rises as litter moisture increases, irritating the respiratory tract and compromising immune defenses. Manual checks detect air quality problems too late, because CO₂ and ammonia can reach harmful levels long before they become noticeable to humans.

‍

Ammonia levels have a direct impact on animal welfare, growth, and feed efficiency in poultry production. Explore how accurate ammonia measurement can help you maintain optimal conditions and improve overall results.

Capacitive Sensor with Built-In Heating

In environments where temperature fluctuations and high humidity pose a challenge to sensor reliability, the DOL 44 Capacitive Relay Sensor stands out as a robust solution. This advanced sensor features an integrated heating element, specifically designed to prevent condensation and ice buildup — a common problem in very cold or damp settings that can impair sensor accuracy and longevity.

Capacitive sensors operate by detecting changes in capacitance caused by the presence of materials, making them ideal for monitoring levels of grain, feed, and solids. However, in environments with condensation and cold temperatures, moisture and ice can interfere with sensor readings. The DOL 44 counters this issue by maintaining a stable internal temperature, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions.

The built-in heating function not only increases the reliability of the sensor but also extends its operational life in demanding agricultural, industrial, or outdoor applications.