Effects of the Presence or Absence of Satellite Chick-Waterers in Conjunction with Nipple-Drinkers on the Mortality and Productive Performance of Broiler Chicks from Young and Old Dams

Abstract

Two runs of one experiment were conducted to study the effects of the presence or absence of satellite (SAT) chick-waterers in conjunction with nipple-drinkers on the mortality and productive performance of mixed-sex, broiler chicks grown to 42 days of age. Data were combined for analysis. The chicks were obtained from dams 29, 31, 61 and 65 wk of age. The treatments were: 1) chicks from 61- and 65-wk-old dams, nipple-drinkers only; 2) chicks from 29- and 31-wk-old dams, nipple-drinkers only; 3) chicks from 61- and 65-wk-old dams, nipple-drinkers plus one SAT-waterer per replication; 4) chicks from 29- and 31-wk-old dams, nipple-drinkers plus one SAT-waterer. The SAT waterers were removed after 11 days. Routine management procedures were followed. The chicks from the older dams (61 and 65 wk of age) were heavier (1.60 versus 1.58 kg, P less than .05) tha those from the young dams (29 and 31 wk of age). Chicks from the young dams had better feed conversion (1.89 versus 1.93 g/g, P less than .01). The age of dam had no effect on the mortality of the broiler chicks. The presence or absence of SAT-waterers had no effect on body weight or feed conversion. A difference (P less than .05) occurred in mortality through 42 days of age; the chicks using the SAT waterers had a lower mortality level (3.23 versus 4.22%), than those using nipple-drinkers. The presence of ST-waterers in conjunction with nipple-drinkers appears to improve livability in broiler chicks.

Factors Associated with Cumulative First-Week Mortality in Broiler Chicks

“…In addition, this inconsistency with their natural behavior (spooning), a study by Heier et al [9] comparing different water supply systems, showed that chicks raised with nipple drinkers had a higher FWM. Carpenter et al [35] compared performance indices in chicks raised with nipple drinkers or with nipple drinkers supported by supplementary drinkers (plate type). They detected that mortality decreased in the latter case.…”

Effects of Two Nipple Drinker Types with Different Flow Rates on the Productive Performance of Broiler Chickens During Summerlike Growing Conditions

“…Peterson et al (1986), in a preliminary study, found that starting day-old broiler chicks might require additional water from supplemental chick waterers in addition to mat supplied by nipples. Carpenter et al (1990) found that the livability of broiler chicks started with supplemental waterers in addition to nipple waterers was greater than that of broilers started on nipple waterers alone.…”