INFLUENCE OF DRINKER-TYPES AND WATER TEMPERATURE ON SELECTED PHYSIOLOGY, WATER AND FEED INTAKE OF BROILER CHICKENS REARED DURING HOT SEASON

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the influence of bell and bowl drinkers and water temperature (cold (28.81°C) and ordinary (30.75°C) on rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), water and feed intake of broiler chickens reared during hot season (January-March). One hundred and twenty eight (3 weeks old) broiler chickens were randomly allotted to four treatments (cold and ordinary water supply using bell and bowl drinkers) in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. Data were collected on RT, RR HR, water and feed intake and analysed using ANOVA. Highest (P<0.05) RT (41. 02°C) was obtained with broiler served ordinary water with bell drinker while broilers on ordinary water with bowl drinker had least (40.72°C). Highest(P<0.05) daily water intake (379.53ml/b) was recorded with broilers on cold water in bell driv ‘er while least water intake (349.92ml/b) was recorded with those on ordinary water in bell drinker. Feed intake of broiler chickens was not (P>0.05) influenced by water temperature and drinker-types. The study concluded that bow! drinker was suitable in broiler production during hot season where optimum water intake is desired without detrimental effect on rectal temperature, respiratory and pulse rates.