Bonus Tydskrif AUTUMN 2024

Ensuring optimal water quality in poultry farming systems Water is the most important nutrient provided to animals in any farming system, as it directly impacts the health and performance of the animals. Maintaining good water quality should be standard practice to ensure the wellbeing and productivity of your poultry flock. Basic parameters to consider when testing water quality between different seasons when rainfall and weather fluctuate. If not bi-annually, it is recommended to test the water at least once a year. By Annalise Kotzé, technical advisor monogastric, De Heus Assessing water quality on the farm It can be very helpful to perform a visual and sensory assessment of on-farm water sources throughout the year, in-between chemical Bonus March De Heus – Optimal water quality Ensuring optimal water quality in poultry farming systems By Annalise Kotzé, technical advisor monogastric Water is the most important nutrient provided to animals in any farming system, as it directly impacts the health and performance of the animals. Maintaining good water quality should be standard practice to ensure the wellbeing and productivity of your poultry flock. On-farm hygiene and cleaning protocols such as waterline flushing and cleaning of drinkers are essential basic steps to follow to maintain good water quality. However, it is also important to know the quality of on-farm ater sources and to understand the acceptable parameters for water quality for poultry operations. Basic parameters to consider when testing water quality: Ideally, any farming system should test on-farm water sources bi-annually, since microbial and mineral content may change between different seasons when rainfall and weather fluctuate. If not bi-annually, it is recommended to test the water at least once a year. Table 1: Tests for different aspects of water quality. pH level The pH of drinking water for birds should be between 6 to 8. pH levels that fall outside this range can negatively impact nutrient absorption and digestion. The ideal pH range is 6,8 to 7,4. Totaldissolved solids (TDS) TDS represents the total concentration of dissolved substances (organic and inorganic) in the water. TDS should be below 1 000ppm. High TDS levels may indicate high mineral and organic content, which can lead to reduced water consumption. Chlorine Chlorine is commonly used for water treatment and disinfection and should be between 1 to 2ppm or <300mg/ℓ. Excessive amounts of chlorine can harm chickens. Bacteria (total coliforms) Total coliforms can indicate possible bacterial contamination (harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella should be minimised). There should be fewer than 100 bacteria of all types per mℓof water and fewer than 50 coliform bacteria per mℓ – ideally zero. Temperature Water temperature should be between 15 and 25°C to encourage consumption, especially in extreme weather conditions. Assessing w ter quality n the farm It can be very helpful to perform a visual and sensory assessment of on-farm water sources throughout the year, in-between chemical and microbial water testing. Farmers can detect signs of possible poor water quality early and act accordingly if they know what to look for. Since the quality of the water can change from the source to the drinker, it is best to take a sample from where the anim ls drink. Le the water settle undisturbed in a glass container. If any odour, unusual colour, or sediment is noted, thorough testing is recommended. Table 2: Testing for water quality. Smell/odour Strong smells such as bleach can indicate too much chlorine in water. Rotten/musty smells can indicate decaying organic matter and contamination. Metallic smells can indicate industrial chemical contamination or high levels of certain minerals. Colour Ideal drinking water should be transparent. Any unusual brown or yellow cloudiness and colour can indicate contamination. Red-orange colours are often associated with high levels of iron and Table 1: Tests for different aspects of water quality. Ideally, any farming system should test on-farm water sources bi-annually, since microbial and mineral content may change On-farm hygiene and cleaning protocols such as waterline flushing and cleaning of drinkers are ssential basic steps to follow to maintain go d water quality. However, it is also important to know the quality of on-farm water sources and to understand the acceptable parameters for water quality for poultry operations. and microbial water testing. Farmers can detect signs of possible poor water quality early and act accordingly if they know what to look for. Autumn / Herfs 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 12