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Ziggity Systems' new Max8 drinker designed for cage layer operations

October 20, 2006

Ziggity Systems Inc. is introducing a new line of drinkers — the Max8 — designed specifically to maximize layer production and to help achieve and maintain dry manure.

Ziggity researchers have spent the last three years designing, refining and field testing these drinkers. The Max8 drinker is not a broiler drinker made into a layer drinker. The Max8 was built specifically to be a layer drinker (commercial layers 18 weeks and older) and nothing else. Its design is so different that only one component part can be found on Ziggity's previous generation of layer drinkers.

Keeping the manure dry is one of the largest challenges in a commercial layer operation. Wet manure can lead to insect and rodent infestations, as well as ammonia releases that can harm the birds and create unwanted environmental problems. The Max8 drinker makes it easier for producers to manage their manure issues.

Max8 drinkers feature the following:

• They have a heavier shut off ball that is less likely to rattle off the seat, reducing the likelihood of seepage.

• The ball-to-seat contact point is higher, which means more of the ball's weight is below the seat. This helps prevent inadvertent seepage.

• The trigger pinhead is designed so that water is only released when birds activate the drinker during the drinking process.

• The metering pin is made from materials with enhanced resistance to chlorine and other chemicals, preventing material corrosion and water spillage.

• The gap between the metering pin and cap is increased, reducing the possibility of sediment becoming lodged in this area.

• The seat is installed into the body and not into the cap, making the drinker easier to fully disassemble and clean, if needed.

Ziggity designers believe so strongly in the Max8 drinker that they are willing to send sample drinkers to interested parties. Producers can replace drinkers in a cage section with Max8 drinkers and then monitor and compare manure of the Max8 section with adjoining cage sections. Ziggity also encourages producers to monitor egg quality and size as well.

The Max8 drinkers can replace previous generation Ziggity drinkers, as well as competitor's nipples without a major investment. Max8 drinkers are available in two models for commercial layers: TL drinkers for Ziggity twin lock systems and Aktive drinkers for other watering systems with single/J-lock drinkers. As an added guarantee of quality, Max8 drinkers carry a five-year prorated warranty.