The effect of nipple height on broiler performance

Two trials, using a total of 3,200 male broilers, were conducted to compare the effects of a trough drinker versus three different heights on a nipple drinker system on body weight gain and feed:gain. The broilers were housed in temperature-controlled litter pens at 25 or 30 C. An 8-ft open trough was used. The nipple drinker heights were adjusted as 1) low (no neck stretch and drink from the side of the beak), 2) medium (stretch neck and drink from the end of the beak), and 3) high (first elevate breast, then stretch neck and drink from the end of the beak) positions. The nipple heights were adjusted twice weekly by visual inspection. The open drinker produced the heaviest birds. No significant treatment differences were observed for feed:gain at 25 C but increased numerically with increasing nipple height. This same pattern was evident at 30 C, but statistically significant differences did occur. Drinking from a nipple drinker is an unnatural drinking act for birds, and the greater the neck extension, especially during a panting situation, the more detrimental the effect on both body weight and feed:gain.