Amazing facts on water consumption by broiler birds

Water is the most important nutrient for any living organisms and broilers are no exception. Here are few interesting facts about water requirement for broilers–

• Birds consume approximately 1.6 to 2.0 times more water than feed
• A bird can survive for many weeks without feed, but only a few short days without water
• 3 kg broiler will consume about 8.2 kg of water, compared to approximately 4.5 kg of feed
• Pesti and coworkers (1985) estimated the daily water consumption of broilers by multiplying the age of the bird in days by 5.7 grams.
• Modern breeds are demanding more water than yesteryears breeds
• In high performing flocks, at around 21˚C, modern broilers on average will consume 1.8 to 2 times more water than feed, in weight. Consumption is dependent on house temperature. In hot climates, flocks can consume up to 5 times in weight the amount of feed they intake.
• Water consumption increases by 6% for every increase in 1˚C between 20-32°C. Water consumption increases by 5% for every increase in 1˚C between 32-38°C. Feed consumption decreases by 1.23% for every increase in 1˚C above 20°C