Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #140838
Title: A SURVEY OF COMMON PRACTICES IN COMMERCIAL BROILER PROCESSING FACILITIES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON WATER USE

Author
item Northcutt, Julie
item Jones, Deana

Submitted to: Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2003
Publication Date: 1/20/2003
Citation: Northcutt, J.K., Jones, D.R. 2003. A survey of common practices in commercial broiler processing facilities and their effects on water use. [abstract] Southern Poultry Science Society Meeting Abstracts. 82(suppl.1):137.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A survey of broiler processing facilities was conducted to determine the relationship between common industry practices and water use. One hundred-thirty written surveys were sent to broiler processing facilities throughout the U.S. with 35% (45/130) responding. The respondents represented a bell distribution of plant size. Data from the surveys were analyzed for significance using Chi-square. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents are on city water (P < 0.05), with 60% of the facilities discharging to city sewers. Ninety-six percent of the respondents operate 5 d each week (P < 0.0001) and 70% of the respondents run 10 shifts each week (P <0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of the respondents (P < 0.05) are located in a southeastern state; however, there is no relationship between location (area of U.S.) and water use or location and water recycling. Average water usage prior to implementation of the Pathogen Reduction, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System final ruling was 21 L/bird compared to current, post-HACCP usage of 27 L/bird. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents reported having low water usage (<15.1 L/bird) before HACCP (P < 0.0001). Water is recycled in 38% of the facilities that responded to the survey, but only 27% of the facilities have truck and/or transport coop washing stations (P < 0.0001). Of the facilities that recycle water, a significant relationship (P <0.05) was observed between size of facility and amount of water recycled. Large facilities recycle more water than medium or small facilities. Data from this survey may be used to assist companies interested in establishing water conservation programs.