How to measure nipple drinker flow rate?

Understanding how to measure the flow rate of a nipple drinker is vital for effective management in broiler production. The Broiler How To series offers practical, hands-on, step-by-step guidance on critical management aspects for broiler farmers.

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Water supply needs to meet the maximum daily intake demands. A lower water flow rate can lead to dehydration, decreased feed intake, and reduced weight gain and survival rates. Conversely, a higher water flow rate may result in spills from the drinkers, negatively affecting litter quality, leading to foot and leg health issues, environmental concerns, and ultimately, reduced water intake.

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This information is derived from Broiler How To 8... Measure nipple drinker flow rate.

The Broiler How To series provides practical and clear step-by-step instructions addressing essential management topics for broilers.

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The Val Lott Stick is an efficient tool designed to help measure flow rates from your Val Nipple Drinker System. Knowing exactly how much water is provided to your birds is essential, and keeping a log of these flow rates allows you to detect potential problems early. Variations in water supply, pressure, dirty or blocked lines, and water additions that can damage equipment may all alter flow rates; thus, monitoring the performance of drinkers is crucial to address issues before they become costly.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure VAL-CO Nipple Drinker flow rates using the Val Lott Stick:

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1. Ensure that the Val Lott Stick is correctly assembled for either cage or floor watering lines.
2. Identify the type of VAL-CO nipple drinker under examination. Confirm that water is exiting from the nipple and record the height or pressure of the standpipe (sight tube) water column.
3. Have a timing device, such as a cell phone or watch, ready when checking flow rates.
4. Grip the Val Lott Stick by the square handle, ensuring the round metal screen faces upward.
5. Position the round metal screen beneath the nipple drinker you plan to assess.
6. Set a timer for one (1) minute.
7. Start the timer and press the round metal screen against the metal nipple drinker pin.
8. Allow water to flow through the screen into the collection container for the full duration of the timer. Note: If the collection container overflows, reduce the test duration from one minute to 30 seconds.
9. When the time is up, carefully withdraw the Lott Stick from the nipple drinker to allow it to seal.
10. Take the collection container from the Lott Stick and record the volume measured. Note: The collection container measures volume in milliliters (mL).
11. Divide the volume recorded in Step 10 by the time in minutes from Step 6 to determine the flow rate of the nipple drinker in milliliters per minute based on the standpipe pressure from Step 2.
    1. For example, if there are VR150 Roaster Nipple Drinkers on your water line and the standpipe measures 20 inches, with a flow volume of 27 mL after 30 seconds (0.5 minutes), the flow rate would be calculated as 27 mL/0.5 minutes = 54 mL/minute.
12. Repeat Steps 2-11 for all nipple drinkers requiring assessment.

VAL-CO recommends testing multiple nipples along each watering line to ensure consistent flow rates throughout. Discrepancies could arise from sloped lines or air locks, both of which can adversely impact flock performance.

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