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Water consumption by broilers in high cyclic temperatures: bell versus nipple waterers
J D May1, B D Lott, J D Simmons
1USDA, Agricultural Research Service, South Central Poultry Research Laboratory, Mississippi State 39762, USA.
Poultry Science
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Broilers drank less water from nipple waterers than bell waterers, especially during high temperatures. Lowering nipple waterers improved broiler water intake, suggesting panting birds struggle with high-set nipples.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Water intake is crucial for broiler health and performance.
- High environmental temperatures can increase broiler water consumption.
- Different waterer types may influence water intake under varying conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare water consumption of broilers using bell and nipple waterers.
- To investigate the impact of cyclic high temperatures on water intake from different waterer types.
- To determine the effect of nipple waterer height on water consumption.
Main Methods:
- Broilers were housed in environmental chambers with controlled cyclic high temperatures.
- Water consumption was measured using bell and nipple waterers over three trials.
- Water intake was recorded electronically every 30 minutes and expressed as a percentage of body weight.
Main Results:
- Broilers consistently consumed less water from nipple waterers compared to bell waterers.
- Water consumption from nipple waterers was lower during peak high-temperature periods.
- Lowering nipple waterer height significantly increased broiler water consumption.
Conclusions:
- Panting broilers experience difficulties drinking from elevated nipple waterers.
- Nipple waterer height is a critical factor influencing water intake in broilers under heat stress.
- Optimizing waterer design and placement is essential for maintaining adequate hydration in commercial broilers.
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