Bonus Tydskrif AUTUMN 2024

approximately twice as much, as they eat. This is highly variable and depends on climate conditions, the age of the birds, stress, and the production phase. Monitoring water intake daily can give valuable insight into flock health and performance. Drastic increases/decreases in water consumption can be signs of poor water quality, disease challenges or nutritional imbalances. Increased levels of certain minerals can lead to reduced feed consumption and nutrient absorption, which can negatively affect flock health and productivity of the birds. Conclusion Maintaining optimal water quality year- round is vital for the health and productivity of your flock. Regular water testing, good management practices, and a commitment to sanitation will ensure safe drinking water. By following these guidelines and addressing any issues quickly, you can provide your chickens with the best possible drinking water. Good water quality By following these guidelines and addressing any issues not only benefits the chickens but also contributes to the general success of your poultry operation. Mineral content of drinking water Once the basic parameters of water quality are assessed it is important to take a deeper look at the complete mineral content of the water. High mineral load can lead to build-up in drinker lines, reducing water supply. *As per SANS 241 Drinking Water Standard Class 1 Recommended Limits. If you have any questions on water quality and how to maintain it, please feel free to contact your De Heus technical advisor by visiting www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. Table 3: Effects of commonly found minerals in drinking water. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com performance. Drastic increases/decreases in water consumption can be signs of poor water quality, disease challenges or nutritional imbalances. Figur 1: Formation of biofilm n pipes and drinker lines. Mineral content of drinking w ter Once the basic parameters of water quality have been assessed it is important to take a deeper look at the Mineral High levels present in water Recommended safe levels* Iron Causes a metallic taste that can discourage water intake and reduce feed intake. Can lead to iron toxicity in extreme cases. 0,2mg/ℓ to avoid taste and health issues. Manganese Reduces water palatability at high levels and can interfere with nutrient absorption in the digestive tract. 0,05 to 0,1mg/ℓ to prevent adverse effects on palatability and health. Sulphate May cause diarrhea, poor weight gain and poor performance. <400mg/ℓ to prevent laxative effects and reduced performance. Sodium While sodium is an essential mineral, excessive sodium levels in water can lead to increasedwater consumption, causing chickens to eat less feed. 200 to 500mg/ℓ to maintain the proper balance in the diet. Fluoride Reduces water palatability and subsequently reduces feed intake. Can adversely affect bone health in birds. 1mg/ℓ to prevent taste issues and potential health problems. Copper Excess copper in water can be toxic to chickens and can lead to reduced feed intake. 0,1mg/ℓ, as excess copper can be toxic to chickens. roductio phase. Mo itoring wate intake daily can give valuable i sight i to lock heal h and performance. Dras c increases/decreases in water consumption can be signs of poor water quality, disease challenges or nutritional imbalances. Figure 1: For tion f biof lm in pipes and drink r lines. Min ral content of drinking water Once the basic parameters of water quality have been assessed it is important to take a deeper look at the Mineral High levels present in water Recommended safe levels* Iron Caus s a metallic t ste that c n disc urage water intake and reduce feed intake. Can lead to iron toxicity in extreme cases. 0,2mg/ℓ to avoid taste and health issues. Manganese Reduces water palatability at high levels and can interfere with nutri nt bsorption in the digestive tract. 0,05 to 0,1mg/ℓ to prevent adverse effects on palatability and he lth. Sulphate May cause diarrhea, poor weight gain and poor performance. <400mg/ℓ to preve t laxative effects and reduced performance. Sodium While sodium is ssential mineral, exc ssive sodium levels in water can lead to incr asedwater consumption, causing chickens to eat less feed. 200 to 500mg/ℓ to maintain the proper balance in the diet. Fluoride Reduces water palatability and subsequently reduces feed intake. Can adversely affect bone healt in birds. 1mg/ℓ to prevent taste issues and potential health problem . Copper Excess copper in water c n be toxic to chickens and can lead to reduced fee int ke. 0,1mg/ℓ, as excess copper can be toxic to chickens. Autumn / Herfs 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 14