The effect of nipple height on broiler performance

Two trials, using a total of 3,200 male broilers, were conducted to compare the effects of a trough drinker versus three different heights on a nipple drinker system on body weight gain and feed:gain. The broilers were housed in temperature-controlled litter pens at 25 or 30 C. An 8-ft open trough w as used. The nipple drinker heights were adjusted as 1) low (no neck stretc h and drink from the side of the beak), 2) medium (stretch neck and drink f rom the end of the beak), and 3) high (first elevate breast, then stretch n eck and drink from the end of the beak) positions. The nipple heights were adjusted twice weekly by visual inspection. The open drinker produced the h eaviest birds. No significant treatment differences were observed for feed: gain at 25 C but increased numerically with increasing nipple height. This same pattern was evident at 30 C, but statistically significant differences did occur. Drinking from a nipple drinker is an unnatural drinking act for birds, and the greater the neck extension, especially during a panting sit uation, the more detrimental the effect on both body weight and feed:gain.