Flock management tip for broilers: Monitor water consumption to understand your broiler flock

calendar icon 14 April 2020
clock icon 3 minute read

A change in water intake is often one of the first signs of a health or management issue which may result in a drop in performance and/or bird welfare. Water consumption should be recorded using a water meter at the same time every day, so that trends and changes in water consumption can be monitored.

Sudden changes in water intake may indicate:

  • Environmental issues within the house
  • That the flock is not receiving enough water/ water quality issues
  • Bird health issues
  • Problems with the feed.
1. Monitor water consumption daily
1. Monitor water consumption daily

2. Have a minimum of one water meter per house.

3. Water intake varies with feed intake.
3. Water intake varies with feed intake.
4. At 21oC (70oF) ratio of water intake (l) to feed intake (kg) should be:
4. At 21oC (70oF) ratio of water intake (l) to feed intake (kg) should be:

Note: Water intake will be higher at higher ambient temperatures.

Check:
Check:

If water intake to feed intake ratio differs, then birds may not be consuming enough water.

Check:
Check:

If there is a sudden drop in water intake, it may indicate a health /management issue.

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