It is crucial to provide fresh and clean water from zero days of age in order to ensure feed intake and growth and development.

• The drinking water system may be bell shaped or nipple shaped.

• During the breeding and egg laying period, there are 75 bell shaped water dispensers per unit.

• Nipple water dispensers are used for breeding and egg laying, with 8 to 10 per set.

• The distance between the two nipples is 20 centimeters, and it is important to ensure sufficient nipples in egg laying facilities that are 12 to 14 meters wide.

• It is important to install the correct nipple type. Chicks need nipples that rotate 360 ° to release water and are long enough to easily release water - they can release water with a force of 2g on the side or front.

• The chicken coop during the chick rearing/breeding/egg laying period has a nipple that rotates 360 degrees to release water, and there is never a nipple that can move up and down to release water. It is very difficult for chicks to drink water by moving their nipples up and down during the week.

• The nipple drinking water system is easy to operate, clean, and keep the bedding dry. Most breeding and egg laying facilities use this system.

• If the clock is used for breeding and egg laying facilities. Do not switch from using a bell in the breeding house to using nipples in the egg laying house. The opposite situation is possible (using a clock from the nipple to the egg laying house during the breeding period). It is always better to use the same type of water dispenser in both the breeding and egg laying facilities to prevent stress and adaptation issues.

• Incubation facility, 12 to 14 meters wide, with multiple nipple shaped water lines, with nipple spacing of 20 centimeters. Do not install too many nipples in the nursery. It is important to promote chicken activity, as excessive nipples can encourage laziness in hens and increase the number of eggs on the ground.

There are currently two nipple configurations on the market, one with a water cup and one without a water cup. The water cup provides the advantage of visual water pressure assessment. There is too much water in the water cup, indicating that the pressure is too high or the water line is too low. A moist cup indicates that the pressure is correct, while a dry cup indicates that the nipple is not working.

There are two different options for nipple types:

Upper and lower nipple discharge - cheaper and of lower quality. The problem of water leakage makes it difficult for chicks to drink water.

Rotating nipple - higher quality than standard nipple, processing technology, and easy water discharge.

Recommended waterline height

As the chickens grow, adjust the height of the waterline so that they can gently stretch their necks and not bend or jump to drink water. They should be able to place their feet flat on the floor and drink water.

The nipple should be placed parallel to the height of the chick's eye.

After the second day, adjust the water line height so that the chicken head is at a 45 degree angle with the nipple.

mineral

Although broiler chickens have tolerance to certain high levels of minerals such as calcium and sodium, they are highly sensitive to the presence of other minerals. Iron and manganese can cause bitterness in water, thereby reducing the amount of water consumed. In addition, these minerals are beneficial for the growth of bacteria. If iron is a problem, filtration systems and chlorination are effective controls. It is recommended to use a filter with a mesh size of 40~50 microns to filter the water source. Filters should be inspected and cleaned at least once a week.

Calcium and magnesium in water are measured by hardness. These minerals combine to form scale or sediment, which can damage the drinking water system. Especially in fully enclosed drinking water systems. Water softeners can be added to the system to alleviate the effects of calcium and magnesium. However, before using salt softened water products, the sodium content should be evaluated.

Only 10ppm of nitrate can affect the production performance of hens. Unfortunately, there is currently no economically effective method to remove nitrate from drinking water. The nitrate content should be tested, as an increase in nitrate levels may indicate water or fertilizer pollution.

Animal Welfare Tips

Chickens only drink most of their water within 2 to 3 hours after feeding. A decrease in water intake may indicate a water shortage or supply issue. Adequate water storage and supply capacity is the key to preventing shortages. After the material limit day, check the crop every week during weighing to assess whether 90% of the chicken crop has become soft. Evaluate the total daily water usage and chicken behavior of each shed. During the breeding period, chickens drink more water on "feeding" days than on "restricted feeding" days. If there is an abnormal change in water intake in the breeding and egg laying facilities, the cause should be investigated. The survey items include: feed quality and feed intake, temperature, maintenance of water lines (pressure, flow rate, water leakage, air blockage, water line deviation), water quality, and the health status of the chicken flock.

Cleaning of drinking water system during the vacancy period

1. Determine the capacity of the drinking water system.

2. Drain the drinking water system and water (dispenser) tank.

3. If possible, remove the water (dispenser) tank and clean it thoroughly. If using a gravity fed water tank, discharge and clean it.

4. Prepare cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's recommendations. When using chemicals, be sure to wear protective clothing and glasses.

5. Inject cleaning solution into the water system.

6. Turn on the faucet at the end of the water pipe, let water flow through until cleaning solution appears, and then turn off the faucet at the end.

7. Raise the waterline.

8. Fill the water line system with the solution.

9. Let the cleaning solution sit for at least 12 hours.

10. After emptying, rinse the water line system to remove biofilm and cleaning chemicals.

Cleaning of water quality and drinking water system

Regular water quality testing and water line cleaning procedures can prevent microbial contamination and the formation of viscous biofilms in water pipes. Although biofilms may not immediately cause disease in chicken flocks, once formed, biofilms can protect bacteria and viruses in the waterline system from the action of disinfectants.

They can also capture organic matter, which is a food source for microorganisms. The use of various poultry products (such as vitamins, electrolytes, organic acids, vaccines, vaccine stabilizers, antibiotics, and probiotics) in water supply pipelines can promote the growth of biofilms. Therefore, after using these products, special attention should be paid to cleaning the inside of the water line.

Products containing hydrogen peroxide have been proven effective in removing biofilms from water. Potassium persulfate (also known as MPS, KMPS, potassium persulfate, and potassium carrot) is a non chlorine oxidizing agent that is also effective on biofilms.

Over time, biofilms and organic materials will accumulate in water pipes, leading to a decrease in water flow.

Testing water quality

General water quality testing should be conducted regularly, but at least once a year. The samples should be collected in sterile containers at the end of the water well and water line, and analyzed in an accredited laboratory (see specifications for mineral content in water samples on the following page). When taking water samples, it is important not to contaminate them.

Water sampling method

Disinfect the faucet or nipple with an open flame for 10 seconds (be extra careful when using an open flame). Do not use chemicals to disinfect nipples to avoid affecting the sample. Before taking the sample, let the water flow for a few minutes and then disinfect with an open flame.