Shed issues: high water consumption

Table 35. Troubleshooting high water consumption

Operational monitoring
Parameter	Target criteria	Critical limits	Monitoring method
Daily water consumption	1.8 times their feed intake	Chickens normally drink between 1.6–2.0 times their feed intake daily at 21°C. Water consumption of more than two times the feed can occur in excessively high temperatures (i.e. above 30°C).	Daily water consumption is taken from meter readings before feeding.
Corrective action Any breach in critical limits or target criteria should result in any of the following operating procedures as necessary: System or shed problem: inspect shed temperature is in the optimal range – put coolers on if necessary, inspect water system, line and drinkers for leaks and repair, inspect and adjust the flow rate, implement unplanned maintenance procedure, engage backup equipment, and record actions to be taken and report (internally or externally as required). Nutritional problem: investigate changes to diet and for errors in the feed formulation that can increase water consumption and rectify, investigate high salt concentrations in feed and water that can increase water consumption and rectify, and record actions to be taken and report (internally or externally as required). Disease: investigate the occurrence of pathogens and water quality, implement emergency response to rectify, and record actions to be taken and report (internally or externally as required).
Verification Calibration and maintenance of equipment Water consumption in an acceptable range Satisfactory production Evaluation and audit

Was this article helpful to you? Yes No