The effect of drinker type and drinker height on the performance of broiler cockerels

Abstract

In this study, the effects of drinker type and drinker height on broiler performance were investigated. Standard nipple type, nipple with tray and round type drinkers were used, and these drinkers were adjusted at three different heights: low, medium and high. Broilers in the groups on round type drinkers and nipple with tray drinkers reached higher live weight compared with those in the groups in which nipple type drinkers were used (P < 0.01). The lowest live weight value on the 42nd day was determined as 2010.60 g in the broilers on the nipple type drinkers. No difference was observed between low and medium height of nipple drinkers with respect to live weight and the live weight values on these drinkers were determined as 2098.62 and 2115.47 g, respectively. The live weights of broiler cockerels watered from nipple with tray and round drinkers at low, medium and high levels were determined as 2267.54, 2265.41, 2200.76 g, respectively; and 2291.38, 2276-35, 2215-14 g, respectively. Feed consumption was lower in the broiler cockerel groups on nipple type drinkers compared with the groups on nipple with tray and round drinkers (P < 0.01). The cumulative feed consumption values of broiler cockerels (on the 42nd day) watered from nipple, round and nipple with tray drinkers at low, medium and high levels were determined 3718.23, 3735.60, 3614-78 g, respectively; and 3976.80, 3970-03, 3826.52 g, respectively; and 4035-70, 4028-09, 3941-52 g, respectively. Cumulative feed consumption was determined to be lower in the groups watered from nipple drinkers, compared with the groups on round and nipple with tray drinkers. No difference was determined between drinker types and between drinker heights with regard to feed conversion ratios and mortality rates. The feed conversion ratio in the groups was determined between 1.74 and 1.79. The effect of drinker type on litter moisture and water temperature was found significant (P < 0.01). The highest litter moisture and water temperature were determined in round drinkers.