CLEAN WATER HEALTHY BIRDS: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF WATER QUALITY IN POULTRY

¹Ganesh, ¹Akash Wadal, ¹Jayant Kumar Kakwani, ¹Prasad Shinde

¹Pallavi Maurya,¹Manish Srivastava

¹MVSc Scholar, Department of Animal Nutrition

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology

Kumarganj, Ayodhya-2242209

The health, growth, and productivity of chickens are greatly impacted by the quality of the water used in their production. Water is the most important nutrient and is necessary for many physiological functions, such as digestion, nutrition absorption, and thermoregulation. Generally speaking, poultry needs twice as much water by weight as feed; but, in extremely hot weather, this requirement might rise to almost four times. The performance of poultry can be directly impacted by the quality of the water they are given. Numerous health problems, such as dysbacteriosis and enteritis, which can raise the rates of morbidity and death, have been related to poor water quality. Severe diseases and toxins can be introduced by contaminated water, which can affect the flock’s overall productivity as well as the health of the birds. These problems can be made worse by elements including chemical imbalances, the presence of excess minerals, and microbial contamination.

Water quality needs to be managed and monitored on a regular basis. This include making sure water delivery systems are properly maintained, treating water to remove pollutants, and monitoring water sources on a regular basis.Reverse osmosis, filtration, and flocculation are a few of the methods frequently used to enhance the quality of water, making it safe and supportive of the best possible health for poultry. In chicken raising, keeping high water quality is crucial. It improves productivity efficiency and profitability in addition to promoting the health and welfare of the birds. Water quality control will continue to be a top priority for producers looking to run profitable, sustainable businesses as the chicken industry develops.

Physiochemical parameters

• pH: The optimal range for the pH of water is 6.0 to 7.5. Continuously acidic or alkaline water can have an impact on the availability of nutrients and the solubility of minerals, which could pose a health risk to chickens.
• Hardness: The amount of calcium and magnesium ions in water is referred to as its hardness. Typically, the ideal hardness range is 100–150 ppm (parts per million). Water delivery systems may become less efficient and develop scale as a result of extremely hard water.
• Iron: It is recommended to maintain iron concentrations below 0.2 mg/l. High iron levels can cause discoloration and encourage the growth of some bacteria, which can have an adverse effect on the health of birds and the quality of water.
• Manganese: The recommended quantity of manganese is less than 0.05 mg/l. Overdosing on manganese can lead to neurological problems in birds as well as discolored water.
• Nitrates: It is recommended to maintain nitrate levels below 50 mg/l. Young birds that have high nitrate levels may develop methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” which impairs their ability to transfer oxygen.

Microbiological parameters

• Total Coliforms: The existence of total coliforms suggests a potential fecal matter source of contamination. For safety, total coliform levels in water should be nil.
•  Total Flora.: This refers to the total number of bacteria present in the water. Ideally, total flora should be less than 100 CFU.ml at 22°C and less than 10 CFU.ml at 37°C to ensure water safety.
• Indicator Flora.: These are specific bacteria used to indicate water quality and potential contamination. They include total coliforms and fecal coliforms.
• Total Coliforms.: The presence of total coliforms indicates possible contamination from fecal matter. Water should have zero counts of total coliforms for safety.
• Fecal E. coli.: This is a specific type of fecal coliform that indicates contamination from animal or human waste. Like total coliforms, the presence of E. coli should be zero in potable water.
• Intestinal Enterococci: These bacteria should not be present in poultry drinking water as they are indicators of fecal pollution.
• Sulfite-Reducing Bacteria: These microorganisms may show whether hazardous anaerobic conditions exist in water. In drinkable water, they have to be completely absent.
  
  

Factors Affecting Water Consumption in Poultry.

• Bird Age: Increased Consumption with Age: Poultry usually use more water as they get older. Compared to adult birds, young chicks drink less water overall, but as they become older, they drink a lot more. For example, during the grow-out stage, broilers may drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per kilogram of feed.
• Reduced as a Percentage of Body Weight: As people age, they tend to eat more water overall, but as a percentage of body weight, they tend to consume less water. For instance, compared to adult birds, chicks could consume a larger percentage of their body weight. As the birds become older, their metabolic processes and feed conversion become more efficient, which causes this change in metabolism.

Environmental Temperature and Heat Stress

1. Impact of Temperature: Water consumption is greatly influenced by external factors. Poultry need more water when the temperature rises in order to regulate their body temperature and avoid heat stress.
2. Increased Consumption During Heat Stress: Water consumption may rise to twice or even three times during times of heat stress. In order to use evaporative cooling to assist control their body temperature, birds may drink a lot more water. To stay hydrated and support metabolic processes, there is an increased need for water.
3. Behavioral Adaptations: In addition to limiting activity or seeking shade, chickens may also display behavioral changes in reaction to heat, which may have an impact on how much water they consume. In order to guarantee that birds can satisfy their thirst during hot weather, it is essential to provide them with sufficient access to clean, cooling water.

Other Influencing Factor

• Water Quality: Birds that drink less water as a result of poor water quality may not drink as much. Birds may avoid water that is polluted or has a disagreeable flavor or smell.
• Water Availability: Birds’ water consumption can be influenced by the design and accessibility of water delivery devices, such as drinkers and nipples. Easy-to-access systems that offer a steady supply of clean water will promote increased use.
• Health Status: Birds that are sick or under stress could consume less water. Reduced water intake may compound health concerns, such as respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or heat stress.
• Whilst temperature and bird age are important factors, there are a few other factors that can affect how much water a bird consumes
• Dietary Composition: Water consumption may be influenced by the type of feed given. While dry meals may require more water, high-moisture feeds, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may lessen the requirement for additional water.

Water Quality Management in Poultry Production.

1. Periodic Sampling and Analysis.

• Frequent Testing: Water samples and analyses from the source, supply lines, and drinkers should be conducted on a frequent basis by poultry breeders. This makes it easier to identify possible differences in the composition of the water and to find problems early.
• Analyzing Important characteristics: Water samples should be examined for microbiological (total flora, indicator bacteria, etc.) and physicochemical (pH, hardness, minerals, etc.) characteristics. This careful examination shows the state of the water and points out any places that may require treatment or cleanup.
• Maintaining Records: Tracking trends and spotting patterns over time requires keeping thorough records of water quality test findings. This data can be used to show regulatory compliance and serve as a guide for decisions about water management.
  2. Techniques for Disinfecting Water.
• Hypochlorous Acid: This powerful disinfectant is capable of getting rid of a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Because it is effective and reasonably priced, it is frequently utilized in the production of chickens.
• An additional potent disinfectant that works well against a wide range of microbes is chlorine dioxide. It can aid in preventing the accumulation of scale in water lines and is especially helpful in treating biofilms.
• An additional potent disinfectant that works well against a wide range of microbes is chlorine dioxide. It can aid in preventing the accumulation of scale in water lines and is especially helpful in treating biofilms.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Water storage tanks and equipment can be cleaned and treated with this multipurpose disinfectant. It is not harmful to the environment because it decomposes into water and oxygen.
• Online Electrolysis: This process uses an electrolytic cell to produce disinfectants such hypochlorous acid right in the water supply. The method offers a constant supply of disinfection and will help in preserving the system’s overall water quality.
• Anolyte: An electrochemical activation of a salt solution yields anolyte, a disinfectant. It is safe to use on a variety of microorganisms and can be applied to water treatment and equipment cleaning.
• Peroxymonosulfates: These substances are oxidizing agents that have the ability to eliminate organic debris and sterilize water. For maximum effectiveness, they are frequently used in conjunction with other disinfectants.

 Upkeep and Sanitization

• Frequent Cleaning: To stop microbiological growth and contamination, water storage tanks, pipes, and drinkers must be properly cleaned and maintained. This requires routinely cleaning the apparatus, clearing out biofilms, and flushing the system.
• Preventive Maintenance: By putting in place a program for preventive maintenance, you can make sure that the water delivery system is always in good operating condition. This involves routine examinations, fixes, and enhancements as required to preserve ideal water flow and quality
• Biofilm Management: Harmful bacteria can grow on the surfaces of pipelines and water storage tanks when biofilms form. Water quality can be preserved and biofilm growth can be managed with the use of disinfectants and mechanical cleaning techniques.

The consequences of low water quality for poultry.
1. Contamination by Microbes.

• Dysbacteriosis: This illness is characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota and is frequently brought on by the presence of pathogenic bacteria in contaminated water. Digestion problems based on by dysbacteriosis may affect nutrient absorption and general health. As a result, birds may grow more slowly and have lower feed conversion efficiency.
• Enteritis: Consuming tainted water can cause an intestinal inflammation known as enteritis. Symptoms of this illness include diarrhea, thirst, and pain in the abdomen. In addition to harming the birds’ health, enteritis can raise the death rate, especially in young or anxious birds.
• Increased Morbidity and Mortality: One of the main causes of disease outbreaks in poultry is poor water quality. Within flocks, the presence of diseases like Salmonella, E. Coli, and Campylobacter can cause disease and mortality rates to rise. Birds’ immune systems can be weakened by high levels of microbiological pollution, leaving them more prone to diseases and infections.

2.Chemical Imbalance and Excess Mineral

• Poultry may be exposed to harmful consequences from chemical imbalances in their water, such as elevated nitrate, nitrite, or heavy metal levels. In particular, high nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, a disorder that primarily affects young birds and affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Decreased Performance: An excessive amount of minerals, such calcium and magnesium, could block the metabolism and absorption of nutrients. Poor growth rates, decreased egg output, and more severe feed conversion ratios are just a few of the problems that may arise from imbalances. Stress-related symptoms in birds may involve decreased activity and more susceptibility to infection.
• Impact on Reproduction: In laying hens, chemical imbalances can have a negative impact on their ability to reproduce. Reproductive problems are more common and egg production and quality are both negatively impacted by poor water quality.

 3.Long Term Consequences

• Economic Impact: The effects of low water quality go beyond what happens to chickens’ health right away. Producers may suffer large financial losses as a result of increased illness and mortality because of decreased productivity, greater veterinarian expenses, and higher death rates.
• Environmental Issues: Inadequate water quality may also have an impact on the environment more broadly. Poultry operations may generate pollutants drainage, which can have an impact on nearby water sources and cause ecological imbalances as well as possible legal problems.

Improving Water Quality in Poultry Production

1. Reverse osmosis

• Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technique that eliminates ions, molecules, and bigger particles from drinking water by means of a semipermeable membrane. It efficiently removes impurities and surplus solutes, resulting in water of superior quality.
• Removal of Contaminants: RO is quite good at eliminating a lot of different types of pollutants, such as salts, nitrates, heavy metals (including lead and arsenic), and microbes. This guarantees the safety and cleanliness of the water supplied to poultry.
• Enhanced Water Quality: RO improves drinking water’s overall quality by lowering the concentration of hazardous elements, which may benefit birds’ health and performance.
• Consistent Quality: Maintaining ideal conditions in poultry operations requires a steady supply of high-quality water, which RO systems can provide.

Filtering
Definition: Using different kinds of filters, such as sand, cartridge, and membrane filters, larger fragments and sediments are physically removed from water through the process of filtration.

• Removal of Suspended Solids: If left unchecked, suspended solids, dirt, and organic debris can promote the growth of microorganisms. Filtration efficiently eliminates these substances from water.
• Enhanced The ability to Pheasants prefer clean, clear water, which makes them drink more of it a vital resource for their well-being and output.
• Prevention of Biofilm Formation: Filtration lowers the risk of contamination by preventing the formation of biofilms in water lines and drinkers by eliminating particles that may harbor germs.

Definition: Flocculation is a water treatment method in which dispersed particles are encouraged to aggregate into larger clumps, or “flocs,” so they may be extracted. Chemical coagulants, such as ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate, are added to the water to facilitate this process.
Advantages:

• Removal of Metals and Contaminants: Flocculation is especially useful in removing or lowering certain metals and other impurities from water. This is particularly crucial in regions where heavy metal contamination may be present in water supplies.
• Enhanced Water Quality: Flocculation enhances the general quality of water by collecting and eliminating suspended particles and pollutants, which benefits poultry health.

Cost-effective: When combined with other treatment procedures, flocculation can be affordable means to treat water.