The effect of magnetized drinking water and water hardness on performance, immune and biochemistry traits of blood, intestinal microflora population, meat and bone quality in broiler chicken

The effects of water type and hardness on performance, immune and biochemistry traits of blood, intestinal microflora population, meat and bone quality were evaluated using 192 male broiler chickens as a factorial arrangement (2 × 2) with four treatments and four replicates. The two factors studied were the type of drinking water (magnetized water and non-magnetized water) and the water hardness (normal-850 and hardess-2000 ppm). The results showed that in the whole period, the birds were received normal magnetized water showed a tendency to gain more weight compared to other birds were received other treatments (P = 0.09). Birds were received normal, magnetized, and non-magnetized water had more feed intake compared to birds were received hard magnetized water. Birds were received hard water consumed less water (P <0.05). Birds were consumed magnetic water had higher blood cholesterol and heterophilic to lymphocyte index than birds were received non-magnetic water (P<0.01). Birds that received hard water and magnetic water had less energy to break bones compared to birds that received normal water and non-magnetic water. The magnetization of hard water increased the population of lactobacilli in the ileum compared to birds were received non-magnetic hard water (P <0.001). Water hardness increased water holding capacity and decreased oxidation in meat. Thigh of birds were received magnetic water had lower concentration of malondialdehyde (P <0.01). Finally, magnetization of hard water increased the population of Lactobacillus ileum in the intestine, improved meat quality and reduced bone strength and feed intake without affecting feed conversion ratio.