<![CDATA[Day-old layer chicks (DOCs) possess suboptimal thermoregulatory capabilities, necessitating stable temperatures within the brooder to support growth. Uneven temperature distribution resulting from conventional heating systems can induce thermal stress and inhibit chick growth. This study aimed to analyze the impact of horizontal versus zig-zag heating lamp configurations on temperature distribution and to evaluate the performance of an Arduino Uno-based automatic temperature control system. An experimental approach was employed using a 2 m × 1 m × 1 m brooding enclosure equipped with DHT22 sensors, a relay module, and four 5-watt incandescent lamps. Measurements were taken at five observation points over a two-week brooding period, with temperature setpoints of 32–33°C for the first week and 30–31°C for the second week. The results demonstrated that the Arduino Uno-based control system successfully maintained temperatures within the specified ranges, achieving a response time of 2–5 seconds. The zig-zag configuration yielded more uniform temperature distribution than the horizontal configuration—particularly in areas distant from the heat source—maintaining a temperature gradient of less than 1°C. Consequently, the zig-zag configuration proved more effective at minimizing temperature unevenness within the layer chick brooder.]]>
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