EMISSION OF CARBON DIOXIDEIN LITTER IN THE FIRST FLOCK OF BROILERS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N 2O) in the air and determine the CO2 emission based on the C balance in the litter of the first flock from fast (Cobb 500) and medium (C44) growth broilers strains. Gas samples were collected from cameras placed on the litter inside the boxes. At 0, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after closing the chambers, air samples were taken polypropylene syringes with 20 mL and then analyzed by gas chromatography. Based on the C balance of the litter, it was estimated the total CO2 emitted. The CO2 concentration was 3.5 times higher in the air inside the aviary in relation to outside air and there was no difference for N2O and CH4. CO2 emissions estimated by the C budget of the litter, in g/chicken, were higher in males compared to females Cobb and Cobb both greater strain C44, regardless of sex, from 1 to 49 days old. When expressed in g kg BW-1, there were no differences between strains and sexes.