Research Note: Effects of the Number of Nipple-Waterers on the Waterer Usage and Body Weight of White Leghorn Pullets ,

Abstract

Pallets reared in floor pens containing 100 birds each were provided with one nipple-waterer per 10 or 20 birds (three pens for each ratio). Behavioral observations related to nipple usage were made during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours at 2-wk intervals from 6 to 16 wk of age. Body weights were obtained at 4, 8,12, 16, and 18 wk of age. The time of day and age affected the number of water nipples in simultaneous use. However, no significant differences were found between the ratios for birds to water nipples concerning the number of nipples in use simultaneously, number of pullets sharing a water nipple, or body weights.(Key words: nipple-waterer, pullet, behavior, body weight)