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The effect of nipple height on broiler performance
B D Lott1, J D May, J D Simmons
1USDA, Agricultural Research Service, South Central Poultry Research Laboratory, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA. blott@ra.msstate.edu
Poultry Science
|April 12, 2001
Summary
The open trough drinker resulted in heavier broilers compared to nipple drinkers. Higher nipple drinker settings negatively impacted body weight gain and feed conversion, especially in warmer temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Avian Nutrition
Background:
- Water is essential for broiler performance.
- Different drinking systems may influence water intake and bird well-being.
- Nipple drinkers are common but require specific height adjustments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare broiler performance using a trough drinker versus nipple drinkers at various heights.
- To evaluate the impact of drinker height on body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR).
Main Methods:
- Two trials with 3,200 male broilers housed in litter pens at 25°C or 30°C.
- Comparison of an 8-ft open trough drinker against nipple drinkers set at low, medium, and high positions.
- Nipple drinker heights adjusted twice weekly based on visual inspection.
Main Results:
- Broilers using the open trough drinker achieved significantly higher body weights.
- Feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences at 25°C but worsened with increasing nipple height at 30°C.
- Increased neck extension for drinking from higher nipple drinkers negatively affected performance.
Conclusions:
- Open trough drinkers are superior for maximizing broiler body weight gain.
- Nipple drinker height is critical; higher settings can impair performance, particularly under heat stress.
- Optimizing water delivery systems is crucial for efficient broiler production.
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