ARTICLE 70 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2024 “Water is one of the lowest input costs for poultry, but it also can have one of the most significant impacts on yield. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that broilers consume about 1.6 to 2.0 times more water than feed on a weight basis. The scientists in that study linked quality water consumption to healthy nutrient transportation, chemical and enzymatic reactions, and body temperature regulation.” Water is one of the most important and underutilized tools in maintaining poultry health. Yet, an alarming number of producers around the world do not provide their flocks with clean water, which opens the door to multiple risks, including illness, dehydration and, ultimately, lower yields. Producers that invest in sanitized water by using chlorine dioxide can increase flock yield and profits. Maximizing yields has always been a key priority for poultry producers, but it recently has become even more critical for two notable reasons: rising production costs and muted demand. Stubborn, elevated inflation around the world continues to impact profit margins negatively. Feed costs are expected to drop, yet other operating costs remain high, further pressuring profit margins. On the demand side, global poultry prices1 have declined substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic and are close to mid-2018 levels. Meanwhile, global production is expected to rise a scant 1% in 2023 and improve a modest 2% in 2024, according to estimates from Rabobank2. In some of the world’s largest markets, however, production is forecast to lag those growth rates. For 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts poultry consumption growth of 0.5%. With growth anemic, producers are searching for cost-effective ways to lower costs and increase output. THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND YIELD MANAGEMENT Poultry yield management, like nearly all forms of livestock production, involves monitoring and adjusting a wide range of variables, such as health status, nutrition, housing/barn temperature, ventilation and water. Each plays an invaluable role in achieving an animal’s weight potential and improving the bottom line. Water is one of the lowest input costs for poultry, but it also can have one of the most significant impacts on yield. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that broilers consume about 1.6 to 2.0 times more water than feed3 on a weight basis. The scientists in that study linked quality water consumption to healthy nutrient transportation, chemical and enzymatic reactions, and body temCHLORINE DIOXIDE: A COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION TO IMPROVE DRINKING WATER AND INCREASE POULTRY YIELD Dr. Chet Wiernusz Poultry Technical Consultant Elanco Animal Health
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