The influence of the zero hour and length of the time unit on the variation of dry-matter excretion in balance experiments with poultry

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Abstract
1. The frequency of excretion of droppings by hens varied considerably over the day and much of this variation appeared to be related to the disturbance of the birds by attendants.2. Data relating to dry-matter excretions by five birds for 17 days were used to study the influence of zero hour and length of the time unit on variations in this dry matter.3. It was found that, in this experiment, 14.00 hr. appeared to be the best zero hour, but it was suggested that, considering the heavy excretion of material around 06.00 hr. when the birds are first disturbed in the morning, 07.00 hr. might be the ideal time. Data from an earlier experiment supported this.4. There was a decrease in variation up to a unit of time equal to 3 days and times not multiples of days gave greater variations. There were, however, considerable differences between birds.