Effects of Water Acidification on Turkey Performance
Published:April 6, 2009
Summary
Acidification of the drinking water has become very popular in the broiler industry as a tool for improving bird performance. However, little is known about the exact effects of water acidification on weight gains, feed conversion efficiency and livability for turkey production. In addition, little documentation exists which compares different drinking water pH adjustment products for turkeys. Th...
Interesting observation !!
However products containing direct acting low pKa value organic acids are found very effective in improving feed conversion ratio and weight growth. Water acidification as well as feed acidification to maintain pH 4-5 are more common among poultry farmer as it has helped in overall poults health parameters.
Excellent article, and it shows that by acidifying normal water will not help much in wait gain. However, if quality of water is in question, then acidification of somewhat heavy water may help in reduction of bacteria in water.
Excellent presentation. Water acidification reduces bacterial load in poultry production. Transfer the results of this experiment to farmers and make the product available commercially.
Thanks.
I think it is not the pH value that is the most important. If you would use phosphoric acid or HCL you have a strong decrease in the pH value but only a minor effect on the micorbial status. Citric acid etc are not the strongest product for an efficient product. In small doses it is used as nutrient for some microbes. there is good knowledge today about the usage of fatty acids against some microbes in water. These acids are specially formic acid in combinations with more expensive acids or medium chained fatty acids. The formic acid is than used to reduce the pH with the lower pH value the usage of the more expensive Acids can be drastic reduced. With the usage of this kind of products you have in the most cases better results and less problems with wet litter.
