Effect of number of hens per nipple waterer on the performance of several strains of layers in cages.
Two experiments were designed to study the effects of housing in cages with several hens per nipple waterer (HPN) ratios on performance of several strains of White Leghorn pullets. In Experiment 1, only body weight gain and water consumption were significantly affected by the HPN; hens at the 2:1 HPN gained more weight and consumed more water per day than those at the 4:1 HPN. The lack of a significant strain by HPN interaction indicated that the four strains responded similarly to the different HPN ratios. In Experiment 2, hens in cages with 3.5:1 and 7:1 HPN consumed significantly more water and feed than those in cages with 10:1 and 14:1 HPN. In both experiments, the HPN had no significant effect on age at sexual maturity, egg production, mortality, and egg weight, but efficiency of feed usage for egg production decreased with the 3.5:1 and 7:1 HPN.
Gernat
A G
AG
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-1600.
Adams
A W
AW
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004326:Drinking; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*; D015430:Weight Gain