Effect of Carbonated Water on Growth Performance of Cockerels Subjected to Constant and Cyclic Heat Stress Temperatures

Abstract

Three growth trials were performed to determine the effect of carbonated water on growth performance of cockerels subjected to heat stress temperatures. In Trial 1, a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design was used to test growth performance of Columbian crossbred cockerels between 8 and 11 weeks of age. The birds were subjected to either cyclic (day-night) heat stress (H) temperature (29 to 34 C) or cyclic (day-night) moderate (M) temperature (25 to 29 C), fed either a corn soy grower (G) diet or a 20% alfalfa diet (A), and provided with tap (TW) or carbonated (CW) drinking water. In Trial 2, a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial was used to access the effect of CW on growth performance of Hubbard cockerels between 4 and 7 weeks of age. Birds were grown in the M or H cyclic thermal environments with dietary treatments consisting of A, G, A plus 1% sodium bicarbonate (AB) and G plus 1% sodium bicarbonate (GB). In Trial 3, a 2 × 2 factorial was used to test the effect of CW on growth performance of Hubbard cockerels fed the G diet and subjected to either constant heat stress (33 C) or thermoneutral (25 C) temperatures. A 24-hr photoperiod was used in each experiment. In all three trials, heat stress reduced (P<.05) average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, and feed efficiency (G/F). In Trial 1, ADG was greater (P<.05) in cockerels fed the G diet and provided CW than in those fed the G diet and provided TW or in those fed the A diet. In Trial 2, cockerels subjected to cyclic H and provided with CW had greater (P<.05) G/F than cockerels given TW. Feed intake was higher (P<.05) for birds given TW than if the cockerels were provided CW. In Trial 3, ADG for cockerels subjected to constant 33 C was greater (P<.05) for those given CW than if TW was provided. Feed intake was greater (P<.05) for cockerels at 25 C and given TW than in CW cockerels. When averaged over temperature effect, G/F was improved (P<.05) by CW treatment. The results indicate that CW improved G/F or ADG in heat-stressed cockerels.