The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of two kinds of water troughs nipple and cup, used for laying hen water intake and the incresing demand of chlorine from the water offered by both kinds of water troughs. Total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli, fecal streptococci and mesophillic microorganisms bacterial count were done. Results showed that both, water trough and tank water, were microbiologycally contaminated before passing through the water trough. The contamination of fecal bacteria was greater in the cup water trough samples, as well as, they were the responsible for a greater organic material accumulation, that caused an elevated chlorine demand and greater depreciation in the water quality offered to the laying hens. From both water trough studied, nipple showed to be less harmful concerning water quality, however, independently of the kind of water trough used for the hen water ingestion, the water disinfection is indispensable to maintain the microbiological quality and to eliminate pathogens.
water; microbiology; nipple; cup; chlorine
