Effect of cooled perches on performance, plumage condition, and foot health of caged White Leghorn hens exposed to cyclic heat

We examined the effects of water-chilled perches as cooling devices on hen performance during 2 summers using daily cyclic heat. White Leghorns, 17 wk of age, were assigned to 36 cages arranged into 6 banks. The banks were assigned to cooled perches, air perches, and no perches resulting in 2 replicate banks and 12 cages per treatment. Chilled water (10°C) was circulated through the cooled perches during heat episodes. Daily cyclic heat of 35°C...