The effect of saline drinking water on broilers and laying hens performance

Most nutritional studies with minerals have been carried out using dietary supplements, with little attention given to the role of those commonly found in drinking water. This is important since underground water supplies, which may contain high concentrations of dissolved salts, is a common source of drinking water for poultry in many countries. Recent evidence suggests that some minerals may exert adverse effects on the performance of growing broilers and laying hens when present in drinking water at concentrations similar to those found in other sources. Commercially farmed birds already receive a balanced diet and if they are also receiving high levels of nutrient as salt in the water in the form of sodium and chloride ions, then the performance of the birds may be negatively affected.