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Effect of Photointensity, Sound Intensity, and Ambient Temperature on Preening Behavior and Ingestion of Spray-Applied Biologics

Departments of Poultry Science and Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; Phone: (409) 845-5184; FAX: (409) 862-6682

Correspondence: B. M. Hargis, E-mail:bhargis{at}uark.edu

Spray application offers low-cost and efficient application of biologics and reduced concerns regarding diverse water quality and medicator/proportioner function. However, little is known about how environmental conditions may modify preening and associated ingestion of sprayapplied biologics. We evaluated the effect of selected photo intensities, sound levels, and ambient temperatures on preening behavior and ingestion of spray-applied biologics on day-of-hatch chicks. Data from these experiments suggest that temperature, sound, and especially photointensity may play a major role in determination of preening behavior in day-of-hatch chicks. Increasing photointensity (0 to 115.5 FC) at the time of spray application resulted in marked and significant increases in preening and preening-associated ingestion of spray-applied products. Furthermore, changes in sound intensity (56 to 83 dB) or temperature (35 to 22°C) increased cumulative preening events. These data indicate that control of selected environmental conditions is essential for optimal ingestion of spray box-applied biologics.

Key Words: Chicks • environmental conditions • ingestion • preening • spray application