Performance and immune response of broiler chicks as affected by different levels of total dissolved solids in drinking water under hot arid environments

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of different total dissolved solids (TDS) levels (265, 2610, 3154, and 3448 ppm) in drinking water obtained from natural sources on the performance and immune response of broilers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine under hot, arid environmental conditions. Each water treatment was given to a group of 100 Ross 308 broiler chicks. Each group of chicks was divided into five replicates in a cage house system. All chicks were injected with SRBC at 8 days of age when drinking water treatments started. Water intake increased significantly with the increase of TDS level. Feed efficiency and bodyweight gain were affected negatively only under the highest TDS level (3448 ppm). The highest weight gain was observed at the 2610 ppm TDS level. Plasma total protein and albumin concentration showed a significant increase at the two highest levels of TDS (3154 and 3448 ppm) in drinking water. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly elevated by the increase of the TDS level in drinking water. At 21 days of age the chicks consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm recorded a significantly higher (P < 0.05) ND antibody titer than the other two groups. At 28 and 35 days of age chicks consuming drinking water containing 2610 ppm of TDS recorded a significantly higher (P < 0.05) ND antibody titer than the group consuming water containing TDS of 265 ppm. Higher levels of antibody titer against SRBC were recorded in birds consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm at 7 and 10 days post injection than the other two groups. However, at 10 days post injection birds consuming drinking water with 2610 ppm TDS recorded higher antibody titer than birds consuming 265 ppm TDS drinking water. In conclusion, 265 and 2610 ppm of TDS in drinking water did not negatively affect broiler productive performance, while levels of 3154 and 3448 ppm may negatively affect broiler growth. The study suggests that a TDS level of 2610 ppm has a better effect on broiler performance, in terms of weight gain and immune response in hot and arid environmental conditions, compared with a TDS level of 265-ppm level.