Water: the forgotten production factor in poultry farming
Water seems obvious, but it is one of the most important nutrients for poultry. Chickens drink on average twice as much as they eat. A laying hen can consume 200 to 300 ml of water per day, a broiler chicken even 400 ml, depending on age, ambient temperature and feed intake. Good water quality and sufficient availability are therefore crucial for the health and performance of the animals. Poor water quality or insufficient drinking facilities can lead to reduced growth, lower laying rates and health problems.
The chemistry behind every drop
Bij het beoordelen van drinkwater wordt eerst gekeken naar de chemische samenstelling. Deze bepaalt de smakelijkheid, technische geschiktheid en de invloed op additieven die via het water worden verstrekt. Belangrijke parameters zijn pH, hardheid, ijzer- en mangaangehalte. Water uit eigen bron kan afwijkingen vertonen die tot problemen leiden.
- Excessive iron or manganese causes precipitation and deposits in pipes and nipples, resulting in blockages and leaks.
- High hardness (high calcium content) can cause limescale deposits, reducing flow and making acids less effective.
- A pH that is too low or too high not only affects absorption by the animal, but also the effectiveness of medicines or supplements in the drinking water.
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Regular chemical analysis helps to detect abnormalities at an early stage and make adjustments.
Microbiological risks in the drinking water system
In addition to chemical aspects, microbiological quality also plays a major role. Drinking water can contain bacteria, yeasts or moulds that indicate contamination or biofilm formation in the pipes. Pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella can infect the herd via the drinking water.
Biofilm is a slime layer on the inside of pipes in which micro-organisms settle, often in combination with mineral deposits. This layer is a constant source of recontamination and reduces the effectiveness of water medication or disinfectants.
The development of biofilm is promoted by:
- Stagnant water (low flow rate)
- Warm temperatures
- Dead corners in pipes
- Residues of medicines or additives
Water availability
Even the best water quality is of little value if it is not readily available to the chickens. Poultry must be able to drink water at any time of the day. The number of drinking nipples, their height, flow rate and pressure must be tailored to the animal category, age and housing.
| Poultry type | Recommended nipples | Flow rate per nipple | Average intake per day | Height of nipple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| day-old chicks | 10-12 chicks per nipple | 20-30 ml/min | 50-100 ml | At eye level, chick must tap straight up |
| Rearing hens | 10 animals per nipple | 40-60 ml/min | 150-250 ml | Gradually increase line with growth, beak just below nipple |
| Laying hens in production | 8-10 hens per nipple | 60-80 ml/min | 200-300 ml | At neck height, animal stretches slightly to drink. |
| Broilers in the finishing phase | 8-10 chicks per nipple | 80-100 ml/min | 400-500 ml | Line at height that chick needs to stretch slightly |
Check the flow regularly with a measuring cup, as even slight blockages can significantly reduce intake. Also ensure that all animals have easy access to drinking lines, especially in high temperatures or immediately after feeding.
Good water leads to better performance
Een goede waterkwaliteit vormt de basis voor optimale prestaties in elke pluimveestal. Schoon en smakelijk drinkwater stimuleert de voeropname en groei bij vleeskuikens, ondersteunt de eierschaalkwaliteit en het legpercentage bij hennen, en draagt bij aan een gezonde darmflora en sterke weerstand in alle diergroepen.
Omgekeerd kan een slechte waterkwaliteit of beperkte beschikbaarheid snel negatieve gevolgen hebben. Dieren nemen minder voer op, groeien trager en produceren vaker natte mest, wat het risico op voetzoollaesies vergroot. Ook vaccins en medicijnen die via het drinkwater worden verstrekt, werken minder goed als het water verontreinigd is of een verkeerde pH heeft.
Een eenvoudige vuistregel geldt altijd: wanneer kippen minder drinken, eten ze ook minder. Problemen met waterkwaliteit of drinkvoorziening merk je dus vaak het eerst aan een dalende voeropname en minder goede stalresultaten.
The water check as a management tool
Good water quality does not happen by itself. Only by regularly measuring, flushing and cleaning can you prevent problems instead of having to cure them. It is wise to have both the chemical and microbiological quality of the drinking water checked at least twice a year. Flush the pipes after each round and check the flow rate of the nipples weekly to ensure that the flow remains good. In addition, always tailor the use of acids or disinfectants to the specific water source and piping system so that the agents work effectively without causing damage.
Water is the silent engine behind poultry health and production. Those who actively manage this aspect will more than recoup their investment in maintenance and monitoring through improved performance and a healthier flock.
Want to know more about water?
Would you like to know how the water quality at your farm is rated or how you can improve pipe hygiene? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you find practical solutions that suit your barn and water source.