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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Poultry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141288
Title: WATER REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY FLOW RATES FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

Author
item Miles, Dana
item Simmons, John
item LOTT, BERRY - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2003
Publication Date: 1/20/2003
Citation: Miles, D.M., Simmons, J.D., Lott, B.D. 2003. Water requirements and supply flow rates for broiler production [abstract]. Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts 82:103.

Interpretive Summary: None required.

Technical Abstract: Surveys conducted recently revealed that a wide variety of nipple flow rates are being routinely used in broiler houses throughout the southern broiler producing states. A study was conducted to determine if the variety of nipple water flow rates found in industry has any effect on broiler performance. Three trials were performed and flow rates of 25, 50, and 75 ml/min were made available to broilers reared in environmental chambers. Temperatures of 21 and 27 degrees C were maintained and feed and water (under the restrictions of the treatments ) were provided ad libitum. The broilers were reared from day old to seven weeks of age. Results indicated that during the most productive week (fifth week) birds supplied 75 ml/min out gained birds supplied 50 ml/min by 20g but out gained birds being supplied 25 ml/min by over 100g. At the end of the trial the birds being supplied 75 ml/min were the heaviest by 30g over birds supplied 50ml/min and were again over 100g heavier than birds at the lowest water rate. Feed to gain ratios were lowest with the highest flow rate at 2.05 and highest with the lowest flow rate at 2.3.