Technological and health aspects of drinking water for broiler chickens

Water is a feedstuff and the most important nutrient for animals (Kamphues et al., 2002; 2007). For this reason particular attention must be paid to satisfying the animals’ needs, to water line technology and to the quality of the drinking water. If water is not provided in sufficient quantity and quality this can lead to drops in performance and even endanger animal health. Water quality is not only significant for the health of the animals but, in the case of food-supplying animals, also for the protection of consumers against zoonotic pathogens, e.g. Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. and other harmful substances.