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Effect of Drinking Water Iron Concentration on Broiler Performance

B. D. Fairchild^*,1, A. B. Batal^*, C. W. Ritz^* and P. F. Vendrell

^* Department of Poultry Science and Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories, University of Georgia, Athens 30602

Correspondence: ¹ Corresponding author: brianf{at}uga.edu

Many parts of the nation have elevated Fe concentrations in drinking water, and poultry producers are uncertain of the effect this will have on broiler performance. Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of Fe concentration on broiler performance. At hatch, Cobb 500 male broiler chicks were placed in Petersime batteries equipped with a nipple watering system. Chicks were weighed and randomly allotted to pens such that each pen had a similar weight distribution. Chicks were fed a standard corn-soybean meal diet to meet or exceed NRC recommendations. Chicks were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. Weekly chick weight, feed intake, and water consumption were recorded throughout the 35-d trials. Soluble P in the manure was analyzed in Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiments 1 and 2, 4 water treatments consisted of 0, 2, 20, and 200 ppm supplemental Fe (FeSO₄·7H₂O). In Experiment 3, the treatments were 0, 200, 400, and 600 ppm supplemental Fe. Water treatments were mixed on a weekly basis.

No differences were noted in BW, feed consumption, water consumption, mortality, or manure-soluble P in any of the trials. None of the birds in the treatments exhibited any signs of flushing or any other intestinal problems. These results indicate that Fe concentrations in water do not affect performance or soluble P in broilers. Broiler performance was not affected by elevated SO₄ levels or reduced water pH. Although Fe may not have a direct affect on broiler performance, this study did not take into account the effect that high levels of Fe or its oxidized byproducts may have on equipment function.

Key Words: iron • drinking water • broiler • water quality