Waterer systems for semi heavy hens in the summer

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the best type of watering systems (nipple or continuous drinker) for semi-heavy laying hens in the summer months of 2004. For the water temperature records, thermometers were placed inside the water in the nipple and the continuous drinker systems, in two similar buildings, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. One hundred and eighty Isabrown birds with 19 weeks of age were reared in a conventional shed. The birds were allotted in a completely randomized design containing two treatments, six replicates and fifteen layers per experimental unit. The experiment was carried out within a period of 12 weeks, which was divided in three cycles of twenty eight days each. During this experimental period, rations and water were provided in a standard diet through nipple and continuous drinker systems. Referring variables were analyzed to the productive performance (production of eggs, weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficiency) and quality of the eggs (weigh, mass and content of eggs and Haugh Units). The highest water temperature values were observed in the nipple system, that reached 30,5 ºC (average values), while in the continuous system it reached 24 ºC. There was not effect of the treatments on the daily egg production, egg mass, egg weight average, internal and external quality of eggs, feed intake on a hen-day basis and alimentary conversion. Two systems can be used for put up water for laying hens without compromising of the production and productivity. However , through the watering systems continuous drinker is possible water supplies to a more appropriate temperature, even though there is bigger waste.