Water Standards for Commercial Poultry
Assuring adequate water quantity and quality is a key concern for commercial poultry farms. Among other things, poor water quality can negatively impact a bird's weight, increase its mortality or impair the quality of its eggs. Proper testing is necessary to assure healthy birds and bird products.
Testing
Water quality can be tested using a number of different methods. Among other tings, samples may be tested for bacteria, for levels of naturally occurring minerals, for pollutants, or for other chemical and physical factors such as hardness and pH. Complicating matters, some seemingly innocent elements can be deadly if they accumulate or when they're found in combination.
Possible Contaminants
Bacteria is a common water contaminant. It's presence is often the result of surface runoff from nearby areas, which can carry things like fecal matter into the water source. Runoff can also bring contaminants like pesticides, herbicides and petroleum products into the water. Possible mineral contaminants include nitrogen, calcium, chloride, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, sodium, sulfate and zinc. Although many of these are naturally occurring and harmless in small quantities, they can be harmful if they exist in combination with other elements.
Standards
Each potential contaminant has been given a maximum acceptable level. For total bacteria, this level is 100 parts per ml. Coliform bacteria should not exceed 50 parts per ml. The maximum levels for other contaminants are listed below:
Nitrate: 25 mg/l
Nitrite: 4 mg/l
Chloride: 250 mg/l (If sodium levels are high, chloride levels as low as 14 mg/l could be problematic)
Copper: 0.6 mg/l
Iron: 0.3 mg/l
Lead: 0.02 mg/l
Magnesium: 125 mg/l (If sulfate levels are high, levels should not exceed 50 mg/l)
Sulfate: 250 mg/l (If magnesium or chloride levels are high, levels shouldn't exceed 50 mg/l)
Zinc: 1.5 mg/l
Although sodium is not given a parameter, levels above 50 mg/l could be harmful if sulfate or chloride content is high.
Other Factors
Aside from contaminants, it is also useful to monitor water for pH levels and to avoid excessive turbidity. An ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.8, although a range between four and eight is acceptable.
Sampling
Routine sampling of water should be conducted. Your local county extension agency can usually direct you in how best to do this. You can also take samples yourself and send them to a lab for a fee. If you collect your own, be sure to let the water run for a few minutes first so that you obtain a fresh sample. Place the sample in a sterile container and be sure it arrives at the lab within 24 hours.
Maintenance
Changing water filters and flushing water lines regularly can go a long way towards maintaining good quality water. If testing reveals problems, you may need to treat the water chemically. Consult your county extension agency for guidance.
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