How to improve poultry growth rates

Increasing yields through better air quality and environmental control

Improving poultry growth rates isn’t just about feed.

While nutrition plays a key role, the environment birds are raised in has a direct and often underestimated impact on performance, health, and overall yield.

For producers operating at scale, even small improvements in growth rates can translate into significant commercial gains.

So where should the focus be?

The link between environment and growth

Poultry performance is influenced by a combination of factors, but one of the most overlooked is air quality.

The environment birds are raised in has a direct impact on health, growth efficiency, and overall yield.

Key factors include:

• Air quality

• Feed quality and consistency

• Temperature and ventilation

• Stocking density

• Stress levels

Poor air conditions can quietly limit growth potential, even when everything else appears optimised.

Dust, ammonia, moisture, and airborne pathogens all place additional strain on birds, affecting health, welfare, and productivity throughout the production cycle.

What poor air quality does to performance

In high-capacity broiler sheds, air quality can deteriorate quickly.

This can lead to:

• Increased respiratory challenges

• Higher stress levels

• Reduced feed conversion efficiency

• Slower weight gain

• Greater susceptibility to disease

• Increased mortality rate

Even when these impacts appear gradual, they can compound over time, reducing overall yield and increasing operational losses.

Evidence from real-world trials

Trials carried out in commercial poultry environments have demonstrated the impact that improved air quality can have.

For example, work referenced by Ilimex in a 26,000-capacity broiler shed showed measurable improvements in flock performance when air sterilisation was introduced.

Key outcomes included:

• Improved growth rates

• Healthier birds

• More consistent flock performance

• Lower mortality rate

These results reinforce an important principle: when birds are raised in a cleaner environment with lower airborne contamination, they are able to perform more efficiently and consistently.

How air sterilisation supports growth

Air sterilisation systems work by continuously treating the air within the shed, reducing the presence of harmful microorganisms.

This creates a more stable and supportive environment for growth.

The benefits include:

• Reduced airborne pathogen load

• Improved respiratory conditions

• Lower stress on birds

• Better feed utilisation

• More consistent growth across the flock

Rather than reacting to problems, this approach helps prevent them from developing in the first place.

A smarter way to increase yield

Improving growth rates doesn’t always require major changes to feed or infrastructure.

Often, the biggest gains come from optimising the environment birds are already in.

By improving air hygiene, producers can unlock:

• Faster time to target weight

• Reduced losses

• Higher overall productivity

• Stronger commercial returns

Practical steps to improve poultry performance

If you’re looking to increase yields, focus on:

1. Maintaining consistent environmental conditions
Avoid fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and airflow.

2. Monitoring air quality closely
Identify issues such as dust, ammonia, and humidity early.

3. Reducing environmental stressors
Create a stable, low-stress environment for birds.

4. Introducing air sterilisation
Actively improve air hygiene throughout the production cycle.

5. Using data to refine your approach
Track performance and adjust based on results.

Performance starts with the environment

High-performing flocks don’t happen by accident.

They are the result of controlled, consistent conditions that allow birds to grow efficiently and stay healthy.

Air quality is a key part of that equation, and one that is often overlooked.

Trials have demonstrated that Ilimex Fluefence improved air quality within the poultry environment, helping create conditions that support healthier birds, stronger growth performance, and lower mortality.

By taking a more proactive approach to environmental control and air hygiene, producers can unlock meaningful improvements in growth rates, flock outcomes, and overall yield.

Want to see the impact in your own operation?

If you're exploring ways to improve performance and increase yield, air sterilisation could be a valuable addition to your setup.

Take a closer look at the Ilimex trial results and see what’s possible with better air quality.