HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 89 89 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE Maintaining the correct water pressure and flow rate is essential. It is crucial to pay adequate attention to the drinking system and the water itself to maintain quality. Keeping the lines free from microbial growth, like biofilm, is important as it allows microorganisms to survive and reduces the effectiveness of medications and supplements. Routine checks of both the water source and the drinking lines are recommended. To prevent biofilm buildup, it is ideal to combine flushing with the use of cleaning products, especially between flocks, before and after administering medications or additives, and during the first 10 days of each cycle. The ideal water temperature is around 20°C. Feed and water intake are closely linked; if hens do not drink enough water, their feed intake will decrease accordingly. At around thermoneutral temperatures (18–24 °C), the water-to-feed ratio is approximately 1.8–2:1, but this ratio can increase to 5:1 at high ambient temperatures above 30 °C. During high temperatures, hens consume less feed but more water to cool down. WATER Clean water is as vital as quality feed for top poultry results. Pullets and layers should always have access to fresh, potable water, and intake must be regularly checked. Regularly check water quality, especially if using your own water supply. It’s advisable to test the water at least twice a year. The reliability of any analysis hinges on the timing, location, and method of sample collection, whether it's taken at the entry point or the end of the system. It's crucial to remember that an analysis only reflects the water quality when the sample was taken and does not guarantee future quality. Water Quality Recommended levels for water quality Element / Parameter Recommended levels (mg / l) Tolerable levels (mg / l) pH 6 5–7.5 Calcium 75 70–80 Phosphorus 0.1 0.1–0.15 Sodium 250 50–300 Potassium 250 < 300 Magnesium 60 < 125 Chloride 250 200–300 Zinc 1.2–1.7 < 1.50 Copper 0.4–0.6 < 0.6 Manganese 0.05 0.04–0.05 Iron 200 0.3–5 Fluoride 1.5 < 2 Nitrate 15 < 20 Ammonia 0.50 2 Sulphate 15 150–200 Water Hardness 20–25 40 WATER
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