POULTRY: THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER

 Water is an essential nutrient. Many factors influence water intake, some of which are:

·         Environmental temperatue

·         Relative humidity

·         Salt and protein levels of the diet

·         Productivity (rate of growth/egg production)

·         Individual bird’s ability to absorb water in the kidney

Going by these factors, birds which consume 5 litres of water today may consume 4 litres tomorrow.

Birds tend to drink more water when the temperature is high, then eat less. But opposite is the case when the temperature is low.

It may interest you to know that water deprivation for up to 12 hours has an adverse effect on growth of young birds and egg production of layers. Plus. If you want big eggs, give water ad libitum (without restriction). However, if you want lizard-sized eggs, deprive your birds.

Water deprivation for up to 36 hours can cause a marked increase in mortality of both young and mature birds.

Having said all, give cool, clean and uncontaminated water to your birds to help in attaining optimum performance.

 
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