The importance of water as a nutrient for broiler breeders

Water is an essential nutrient yet is given little focus. However, water plays an important role in many bodily functions including nutrient digestion and metabolism and transport of nutrients via the blood. Water aids in the transit of feed through the digestive tract by softening the feed and is involved in the flushing of fecal and uric acid waste products. Additionally, water plays a vital role in body temperature regulation. The importance of water is clearly visible after periods of peak feeding or feed cleanup when birds will move to the drinker lines to get their water intake. For these reasons, we recommend ensuring sufficient drinking space (8 to 10 broiler breeders per nipple) and the correct flow rates at each age. Insufficient drinker space or water volume will lead to poor growth rate and flock uniformity. To confirm that birds have consumed enough water, feel the crops of birds one hour after feed cleanup to ensure they are soft and pliable. Read more