The Effects of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) on Performance of Broiler Chickens

In order to study the effects of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water on the performance of broiler chickens, preliminary data were obtained on water resources of Isfahan Province. Complementary tests and analyses were also performed including physical, chemical and microbial ones. Six different water qualities based on TDS contents of less than 1000, 1000-2000, 2000-3000, 3000-4000, 4000-5000 and more than 5000 ppm were selected. The main experiment lasted for 7 weeks (7-56 days), using 288 chickens in a completely randomized design, with 3 replications, while, the environmental and genetic factors were controlled in an identical broiler housing. The results showed that using water with different TDS contents had the most negative effects on mortality rate (%) in the rearing period and up to 56.2% mortality was recorded at the highest TDS content. Water consumption showed high and positive correlation (P < 0.05) with TDS (r = +0.74). Correlation between TDS and bedding moisture was also high (r = +0.65) and significant (P < 0.05). The differences between final body weight of control chickens and highest level of TDS were significant (P < 0.05). Feed intake also was affected by different TDS contents and showed similar results as with body weight. Increasing the TDS level decreased the abdominal fat in the female chickens and ash content of tibia in the male chickens. It is concluded that water TDS should be considered for the development of broiler chicken farms. Therefore, it is recommended that higher quality waters (with a TDS content of 3000 ppm) must be used for this purpose. Otherwise, appropriate systems should be used to improve physical and chemical composition of the water.