Analysis of Stray Voltage on Broiler Breeder Farms

Abstract

With the increased use of mechanical nesting in broiler breeder facilities, awareness of floor and slat egg problems has increased. Many factors influence floor and slat laying, but stray voltage has recently been identified as one possible contributing factor. A growing number of producers with floor egg problems have reported voltage levels ranging from 1 to 18 V between the nests and the ground. After steps are taken to reduce voltage levels, the next flocks placed in the houses generally have greatly reduced floor eggs; however, the tendency of stray voltage levels to vary over time has complicated efforts to gauge the extent of stray voltage problems.In this field study, voltages were monitored over a 3-to-5-d period on 15 farms. Some voltage was found on all of the farms’ grounding systems. Voltages ranged from less than 1 V to 21 V, and levels over 2 V were found on 11 of the farms. Number of floor eggs ranged widely as well, with percentage slat/floor eggs varying from 1 to 30%. There was no correlation between the percentage of floor eggs and the amount of voltage found. Although limited in scope, this study provides evidence that stray voltage exists in many breeder houses and may be a contributing factor to floor and slat egg problems.