Feed and water consumption patterns of broilers at high environmental temperatures.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Environmental Physiology

Background:

• Environmental temperature significantly influences poultry physiology and behavior.
• Understanding feed and water consumption patterns is crucial for optimizing broiler production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of daily cyclic environmental temperatures on broiler feed and water consumption patterns.
• To determine how specific phases of a temperature cycle affect intake behavior in broilers.

Main Methods:

• Broilers were subjected to a daily cyclic temperature of 24-35-24°C for three days, with controls maintained at a constant 24°C.
• Feed and water consumption were measured in 6-hour intervals throughout the daily temperature cycle.
• Consumption patterns were analyzed for broilers aged 5, 6, and 7 weeks.

Main Results:

• Feed consumption decreased during the declining phase of the temperature cycle.
• Water consumption increased during the period of maximum temperature.
• Broilers exposed to cyclic temperatures showed increased water consumption when later exposed to high ambient temperatures (up to 40.8°C).

Conclusions:

• Daily cyclic temperatures alter broiler feed and water consumption, with specific effects depending on the time of day and temperature phase.
• Increased water intake precedes decreased feed intake under cyclic high temperatures.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing temperature fluctuations for maintaining broiler hydration and feed efficiency.