Usually, the term monsoon is used to refer to the rainy phase of a seasonally changing pattern. It is the time of year when most of a region’s average annual rainfall occurs. Monsoon comes with the challenges of high relative humidity and fluctuations of temperature.

Extremes of weather are always harmful for living beings, especially monsoon that favours the propagation of different kind of pathogenic organisms like bacteria, virus, fungus, parasites and different vectors like flies, mosquitoes etc. This requires due considerations and appropriate measures in chicken farming for maintaining livability and efficient production.

Housing management: A well maintained shed helps minimizing the climatic stress and health challenges in birds.

Before the ensuing monsoon the roof of the house, walls should be duly inspected and any kind of holes or leakages anywhere should be properly repaired. The drainage ditch around the shed should be clear. In the roofs, the side overhangs should be minimum 3 to 4 ft to prevent entry of direct rain water into the shed. The side walls of the empty shed should be completely covered with polythene curtains. Curtains should be in good condition and can easily be regulated depending on the ammonia concentration in the shed or rain intensity. Improper curtain management can result in poor ventilation in the shed leading to ammonia built up and associated issues like improper digestion, abnormal respiratory sounds, and high incidence of ascites. Allow a 1-2 ft opening at the top of side curtains during the day to ventilate ammonia and other undesirable gases out.

At least 10 ft outside the shed should be kept properly cleaned and free from bushes and grasses. If there is any water logging in the surrounding area it may cause a huge problem of insects in the poultry shed. Since monsoon is the breeding season for flies, there is always a big concern. Flies act as vector for many viral, bacterial and parasitic infections in poultry. Also, there is every chance of developing maggot wounds in case of loose drops/ pasty vents. Cleanliness along with judicious use of insecticides and regular bleaching powder & formalin spray (3-5%) outside the shed can keep the insect population under control.

Reduction in daylight hours (photoperiod) during the rainy season, can be alleviated by providing artificial light to maintain optimum feed intake and egg production.

Litter management: Litter is where the chickens spend all their life in deep litter system. Rice husk, saw dust and wood shavings are commonly used litter materials in poultry farming. Adequate care must be taken to manage litter.

A good quality litter should be highly absorbent and should dilute the concentration of droppings. The litter thickness should be around 3 inches. Store at least 20% more litter material in a dry place to replace the wet litter material when required. There should not be any seepage from the floor wetting the litter.

Wet and caked litter leads to high built-up ammonia in the poultry house. Ammonia is generated by chemical and microbial degradation of uric acid, which is excreted by the birds. The resulting ammonium ions (NH₄+) are converted into volatile ammonia, especially under alkaline conditions, higher temperatures, higher moisture, and higher NH₄+ concentration (Bittman and Mikkelsen, 2009). The maximum permissible level of ammonia in the litter is 25 ppm, though at 6 ppm concentration only, there will be irritation of the eyes & the respiratory tract and at 11 ppm reduced animal performance. Ammonia & other noxious gases irritate the eyes and by inhalation, damage the inner lining of the respiratory tract of the birds exposing them to infections.

Wet litter causes growth of mould, bacteria, viruses & germination of coccidial oocysts leading to various diseases & poor performance. Wet litter is also responsible for breast blisters & sores on the foot pads & hocks of the birds and hence, cases of more refusal by lifters or traders. Normally the ideal moisture content of the litter should be 20- 25%. If the litter is too dry, the air becomes quite dusty and the respiratory system gets irritated and then easily invaded by microbes, in the process, the resistance against respiratory diseases goes down tremendously. Examine the litter regularly in monsoon, particularly where the drinkers are placed.

The caked litter, if formed (indicating litter moisture> 40%), should immediately be discarded, and replaced with fresh litter. To get rid of this caked litter practice twice a day litter racking. To reduce the litter moisture, add 1 kg slaked lime and 150 gm bleaching powder per 100 ft2 floor area. Ceiling fan should be operated @ 1 per 300 birds in deep litter broiler farms. To prevent the growth of mould, new litter can be treated with 2% aqueous solution of copper sulphate spray. To assess the litter moisture at farm level, a sample of litter can be taken on the hand and pressed in the palm with the help of fingers. If the litter moisture is optimum, the compressed litter material shows crevices and gently falls apart. If the litter is too wet, it will form a cohesive ball or lump. If the litter is too dry, it will form no impression, it will crumble easily and fall apart.

Feed management: During monsoon, because of high temperature and relative humidity, birds may decrease their feed intake. Care should be taken while diet formulation about all the vital nutrients considering the seasonal impact on the feed intake.

Do not store feed for long in monsoon. The shelf-life of feed is shorter due to high humid condition in monsoon. Never allow feed in the bags to get heated up, and/ or cake formation. These are preliminary signs of decompositions and mould growth. If the feed is coming from a faraway place, make sure that the transport vehicle is completely closed and there is no water leakage inside the vehicle. 4-5 days extra feed stock should be kept in the farm to avoid frequent transportation in rainy days.

The best way to store the feed bags is on Dunnage system. The feed bags should be stacked in an elevated platform using wooden/ bamboo pallet minimum 1 ft off the floor and away from the side walls to avoid any moisture contact and also there will be facility for free air movements under the bags. This will help to minimize the toxicity related issues. Try to maintain the FIFO system in feed distribution.

Avoid strictly use of wooden feed trough since it always leads to growth of moulds giving rise to toxin production. Plastic / polythene trough will be far better to use for easy cleaning and disinfectant purpose. At least once daily the feeder should be wiped with dry cloths.

Special care should be taken during feed formulation in monsoon while selecting the in feed anticoccidial and a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder.

Water management: Drinking water quality is often an afterthought in many poultry farms. However, a clean, safe water supply can have a huge impact on flock performance. Water quality can be easily affected during rainy season especially the surface water. E. coli and other coliforms count in water is generally higher during this season. Contaminated water sources can easily cause outbreaks in chicken. So, it is essential to maintain regular water sanitation.

Water sanitizers should be used with sufficient contact times and applied with an appropriate dosing. Acidification of drinking water lowers the pH and a lower water pH has been shown to reduce populations of bacteria, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridia in the crop before they reach the lower digestive system (Watkins S et al., 2004). Research shows that poultry prefers water with a pH ranging from 6 to 6.8. But a target can be taken to keep the drinking water pH around 5.0 to 5.5 to retard the growth of most pathogens.

Acidified drinking water also can help mitigate the adverse effects of stress (Hamid H et al., 2018). Drinkers should be cleaned daily with detergents and bleaching powder to reduce the occurrences of water-borne diseases. Pipelines should be cleaned at least once in a week. This will help in reducing the biofilm formation inside the line.

Oxidation- Reduction – Potential (ORP) is one method used to evaluate the ability of a sanitizer to be a strong oxidizer for destroying bacteria, viruses, and other organic materials present in water or for reacting with harmful minerals such as iron and manganese. An ORP value in the range of > 650 mv indicates good quality water that can effectively be sanitized by as little as 2-4 ppm free chlorine (Oviedo, 2006).

Disease control: The inclement weather during monsoon can cause birds’ immunity take a beating as infections are rampant and the increased humidity can contribute to several outbreaks. Insect population and rodent activities also increase during this time as a result of local crop growth. All together creates a huge challenge to the poultry farmers with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Below are some of the diseases commonly encountered in chicken rearing during the rainy season.

• Mycotoxicoses are diseases resulting from consumption or exposure to mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of certain filamentous fungi (primarily to the species of the Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium genera) found in grains, cereals and forages, that can cause serious health problems in animals, especially chickens. Mycotoxins affect all poultry species, mainly causing severe immunosuppression along with decreased weight gain, poor feed efficiency, reduced egg production and egg weight, liver, and kidney damages etc. Preventive measures, like proper monitoring of ingredients, limiting highly contaminated raw materials and use of a broad-spectrum toxin binder in the feed, can help a great extent reducing the risk of mycotoxins in poultry production.

• 

  Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) and Hydro-pericardium Syndrome (HPS) are highly contagious diseases caused by chicken Adeno viruses, predominantly in young broilers, characterized by haemorrhages & necrotic changes in liver and kidneys, accompanied by intra-nuclear inclusion bodies and hydropericardium resulting sudden onset of mortality with high FCR. Immunosuppressive diseases, like Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and Chicken Infectious Anaemia (CIA), help Adeno viruses to produce IBH. Both live and inactivated vaccines are available for control. Strict bio-security measures at farm level must be implemented to restrict horizontal transmission.

• Infectious bursal disease (IBD) or Gumboro disease is a highly contagious viral disease of young chickens characterised by depression, watery diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, and dehydration. The virus infects immature B-lymphocytes and causes an immune suppression that leads to secondary infections in convalescent birds. The infection spreads easily from bird to bird by way of droppings. Infected clothing and equipment are means of transmission between farms. In monsoon, the disease may be further complicated with mycotoxicoses. There is no such treatment. Vaccination of breeders and young chicks is the best means of control.

• Coccidiosis is one of the biggest causes of economic losses in poultry worldwide. It is caused by a protozoan parasite Eimeria spp. in poultry. The disease course is rapid (prepatent period 4–7 days) and is characterized by parasite replication in host cells with extensive damage to intestinal mucosa.

In monsoon, wet litter, oxygen and warm temperature create the ideal environment to induce sporulation of the coccidian oocysts and therefore, the outbreak of coccidiosis. Clinical form of the disease is generally characterised by defective digestion and absorption, diarrhoea, blood loss, dehydration, increase susceptibility to other diseases.

The main financial losses are caused by the subclinical form of the disease, leading to poor performances. Treatment is costlier, so control should be followed in broiler chicken. Anticoccidial compounds are used in feed to prevent disease and the economic loss often associated with subacute infection. At farm level, during terminal disinfection, using 10% liquor ammon forte (0.89%), i.e., 2.5 lit liquor ammon forte in 25 lit of water per 1000 ft² of shed can reduce the chance of occurrence of coccidiosis in the next flock to a great extent.

• Necrotic enteritis (NE) is the most common and financially devastating bacterial infection in modern broiler flocks. Necrotic Enteritis is caused by the Gram+, toxin forming, spore forming, anaerobe Clostridium perfringens found in soil, litter, dust and at low levels in the hind gut of healthy birds.

Chickens infected with coccidiosis are more likely to develop the disease. 2 to 5 week old broiler chickens raised on litter are more prone to the acute clinical form, showing severe depression, reluctance to move, diarrhoea, ruffled feathers and sudden death and increased mortality. The subclinical form produces no outward signs but has big impact on performance, like weight loss, reduced weight gain and impaired FCR. For decades, antibiotic growth promoters, like BMD, enramycin, lincomycin, avilamycin have been used on a regular basis to prevent necrotic enteritis. On chicken farms, heating the humid litter considerably decreases the number of viable spores. Adding consortium of probiotics to feed is the most effective and sustainable solution in both preventing and treating clinical necrotic enteritis, presumably by competitive exclusion of C. perfringens.

• Colibacillosis is caused by infection with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). It is an ever-green disease in poultry and considered among the most economically devastating bacterial diseases of poultry worldwide. During rainy season, E. coli is transmitted to chickens mainly from faecal contamination of water. Immunosuppression from IBD &/or aflatoxicosis makes the bird more susceptible to the infection. Antibiotics based on antibiotic sensitivity test can be used for treatment. Prevention of colibacillosis relies on good hygiene management, hatching egg management and drinking water management practices like proper water sanitization, regular cleaning of drinkers, pipelines and tanks etc.

• Aspergillosis, popularly known as brooder pneumonia is an upper respiratory tract infection of young chickens caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Transmission is by inhalation of fungus spores from contaminated litter (e.g., damp saw dust, wood shavings, straw) or contaminated feed. Hatcheries may also contribute to infection of chicks. Symptoms include respiratory distress (dyspnoea and gasping), sleepiness, emaciation etc. There no specific treatment for infected birds. Use of 1: 2000 copper sulphate solution mixed with vinegar (acetic acid) in drinking water has shown some results in checking initial mortality. Strict hatchery hygiene, litter management with 2% CuSO₄ spray, proper ventilation and adopting strict bio-security measures can reduce the chance of infection.

Conclusion: Monsoon wields unprecedented challenges to the poultry farmers in India, necessitating the implementation of effective strategies. By following effective farm management techniques, bio-security measures and adopting judicious nutritional approach poultry producers can overcome the myriad challenges and maintain productivity level in the farm.

Water is a crucial nutrient for poultry, as it accounts for 70% of their body weight and is essential for many physiological functions, such as digestion, temperature regulation, and waste excretion. However, the quality of the water can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of the birds.

One critical aspect of water quality is pH, which can affect the availability and absorption of nutrients, as well as the growth and survival of microorganisms in the bird’s digestive tract.

• Water is the most essential nutrient for poultry.
• Water is a medium for transporting nutrients along the gastrointestinal tract.
• Water plays an important role in regulating body temperature and is a component of many basic chemical reactions.
• Good quality water is very important for good digestion and to create a healthy gut flora, which will help the bird to absorb all the essential nutrients.
• Constant monitoring of drinking water pH & coliform count is essential.
• It is important for water to remain hygienic all the way until it reaches the birds.
• Water lines should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized at regular intervals.

The pH of water refers to its acidity or alkalinity level and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water with a pH level below 7 is considered acidic, while water with a pH level above 7 is alkaline. The ideal pH level for poultry water is between 6.0 and 6.5, as this range provides optimal conditions for nutrient absorption and microbial control in the digestive tract.

Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can have negative effects on poultry health and productivity. Acidic water with a pH level below 6.0 can corrode water pipes and equipment, leading to increased levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in the water. It can also cause irritation and damage to the bird’s digestive tract, reducing nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of disease.

On the other hand, alkaline water with a pH level above 8.0 can reduce the solubility of minerals and nutrients in the water, making them less available for absorption by the birds. It can also promote the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae, in the water, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

To maintain the ideal pH level in poultry water, several factors need to be considered.

The first is the quality of the water source. Water with a high mineral content or alkalinity level may require treatment, such as reverse osmosis or acidification, to adjust the pH level to the optimal range. Sanitation and acidification are the two practices that work together to improve water quality.

The second factor is the type and concentration of minerals and nutrients in the water. Certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can increase the pH level of the water, while others, such as iron and manganese, can decrease it. It’s essential to monitor the levels of these minerals and adjust the pH level as necessary.

The hydrogen ion concentration in water determines the pH level and is very critical for microbial growth. Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter can survive in a pH range 4.5 to 8 with an optimum pH for growth around 7 the microorganisms can survive and grow better at an optimum temperature of 37.0 C.

Your water treatment program should complement the water and make the quality consistent over time. Monitoring the water quality before and after water treatment should be part of your program.

pH of Sample:

• Poultry prefer a pH between 6.1-6.8.
• pH less than 6 begins to affect broiler performance due to palatability.
• Low pH water may be corrosive to equipment over a prolonged period.
• High pH water indicates the presence of calcium and magnesium and can negatively affect bird performance and clog water systems. Certain bacteria prefer an acidic environment while others prefer an alkaline environment.
• Beneficial bacteria typically prefer an acidic environment.
• Lactobacillus (beneficial bacteria) prefer a pH of 3.5-6.8.
• A recent study showed that gram negative bacteria (coliforms) had a 7% survival rate at a 6.9pH and a 66.1% survival rate at 8.3 pH.

pH Summary:

• Target a pH of 6.3-7 to maximize performance.
• Birds will drink less when pH is less than 6 or higher than 7.5.
• In general, beneficial bacteria prefer a low pH environment (acidic) and a harmful bacteria prefer a high pH environment (alkaline).

Water Acidifiers:

The Key to Improved Poultry Health Water acidifiers are a type of feed additive that can improve the health and productivity of poultry. They work by reducing the pH level of the water, which can help to control the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in the bird’s digestive tract. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of water acidifiers in poultry farming and how they can be used effectively.

Water acidifiers are commonly used in poultry farming as a way to improve the health and productivity of birds. By reducing the pH level of the water, they can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, in the bird’s digestive tract. This can help to reduce the risk of disease and improve the overall health of the flock.

In addition to their antimicrobial properties, water acidifiers can also improve the absorption of nutrients in the bird’s digestive system. By reducing the pH level of the water, they can help to break down feed particles and improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake. This can lead to improved growth rates and better feed conversion ratios in poultry.

Water acidifiers are also an effective way to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry farming. By controlling the growth of harmful bacteria in the bird’s digestive tract, water acidifiers can help to reduce the risk of disease and the need for antibiotics. This can help to improve the overall health of the birds and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in the flock.

To use water acidifiers effectively, poultry farmers need to take several steps. The first step is to test the pH level of their water sources regularly. This can be done using a simple test kit or by sending water samples to a laboratory for analysis. If the pH level is too high, farmers can use a water acidifier to lower the pH level and improve the quality of the water.

It’s important to note that water acidifiers should be used in conjunction with other management practices, such as good sanitation and hygiene, to ensure the health and productivity of the flock. Poultry farmers should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using water acidifiers and be sure to monitor the health and performance of their birds.

Relationship of pH and Sanitisation (Chlorination):

• Chlorination becomes even more effective when combined with a proper approach to water pH.
• pH is an important factor in making sure the chlorine is an effective disinfectant.
• The relationship between pH and the balance of the forms of chlorine is shown below in the graph and table.

Chlorination becomes even more effective when combined with a proper approach to acidification. Chlorine reaction (HOCl ↔ OCl- + H+) is pH dependent. At a pH 5 to 6, the chlorine species is nearly 100% hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and highly effective at killing bacteria. Above pH 6, it starts to convert to the hypochlorite ion (OCl-) and acts mainly as an oxidizer. Water with a pH ≥ 7 may need to be lowered for chlorine to achieve optimal bacteria-killing efficacy.

Use High Quality Acidifier in Water for Desired ph Level:

In water with high buffer capacity (high alkalinity), a higher inclusion rate of acidifiers is required to reach this target pH. Less-buffered acidifiers can help reach the target pH at lower doses. Use of organic acids may be worth considering when the objective is to combat biofilm and improve animal digestion, gastrointestinal microbial balance or animal performance.

Water source gets contaminated with various organic and inorganic substances resulting in high pH thus chances of growing pathogens including salmonella sp., E. coli and fungi is high. Contamination of drinking water in poultry is formidable.

Generally, it is recommended that optimum pH of drinking water of poultry should be around 6.0 to 6.8 to maintain normal gastric pH of birds. Since gastric pH is higher in chicks than in growers and adult birds, an utmost care should be taken during brooding period of chicks for:

-» Reducing chick mortality.
-» Controlling E. coli, Salmonella and fungi.
-» Improving FCR and weight gain.
-» Reducing ammonia in litter.
-» Reducing moisture in litters.

Usage of Water Acidifiers:

• Several commercial preparations are available in the market.
• We must standardize the dosage of product based on local quality of water esp. Ph of water & TDS.
• In general, getting of water Ph of 6.0 – 6.8 at bird level is desirable.
• In field conditions some farmers are using Citric acid powder or Acetic acid 99.7% food grade in water.
• Citric acid 0.5gm/per liter of water or Acetic acid 1-1.5ml per liter of drinking water (Reduction of water pH 0.75 is observed depending on the existing quality of water).

Good Water Acidifier: Properties

• It Should be stable in all pH ranges.
• Must work in fore gut as well as in hind gut.
• Must suppress bacteria that are “pH sensitive” like E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, C. perfringens, Listeria etc.
• Generally organic acids with antimicrobial activities have a pH value in the range of 3 and 5.

Common Water Acidifiers:
• Short chain acids(c1:c7) products with antimicrobial activity.
• Formic, Acetic, Propionic & Butyric acids -Mono carbolic acids
• Lactic, Malic, Tartaric & Citric acids –Carbolic acids with Hydroxyl group
• Fumaric & Sorbic acids–Carbolic acids with double bonds

Advantages of Using Water Acidifiers

• Improvement of Nutrient digestibility. (Protein, Ca & P in early ages).
• Significantly increases the villus width, height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of chicks.
• Improves digestive enzyme activity and Litter quality.
• Improves H.H eggs by decreasing soft shelled eggs plus broken eggs% (Less porosity).
• Decreased mortality% and good uniformity in Chicks & growers.
• Improves external egg qualities like egg weight, egg colour and egg diameter.
• Reduces number of soiled eggs in daily production.
• To have an efficient disinfection with chlorine, decrease the PH.
• It increases the quality of litter.

By reducing the pH of water, Acidic pH creates an environment that promotes optimal digestion and microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to improved feed utilization, resulting in optimal weight gain and an enhanced feed conversion ratio.

Acidification is a vital component of our health program, designed to maintain microbial balance, reduce antibiotic usage, and enhance animal performance. Acidic pH is your ultimate solution for effective litter management.

Effective litter management is crucial for optimal animal nutrition. Proper litter management practices ensure a clean and healthy environment for animals, reducing the risk of contamination and disease. By maintaining clean and dry litter, for better hygiene, minimize bacterial growth, and enhance feed safety.

In conclusion, the pH of water is a critical factor in maintaining the health and productivity of poultry. Water with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5 provides optimal conditions for nutrient absorption and microbial control in the digestive tract. By monitoring and adjusting the pH level of their water sources, poultry farmers can ensure that their birds have access to clean and healthy water, promoting optimal growth and performance.

Water acidifiers are a valuable tool in poultry farming. They can help to improve the health and productivity of birds by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and improving nutrient absorption. By using water acidifiers effectively, poultry farmers can improve the overall health of their flocks and reduce the need for antibiotics.

About the Author:

Focused Business Development Manager/Strategist with over 27 years of experience in all segments of Poultry from Breeding Farms, Layer and Broiler Farming, Medicine Manufacturing, Water Treatment and Poultry Health Management.

Focussed on the Implementation of processes in Water Quality Management and Treatment in Poultry Farms for over 6 years. Had a short journey in 3 start-up’s which helped him understand the value of time and execution.

Exposure to fintech, Banking technologies, social network market place and Last mile trade helped him understand the dynamics of tier 2 and tier 3 marketplaces.

A Proven track record of implementing the necessary business development strategies for the last mile and tier 2 cities to accomplish breakthrough sales objectives while creating unique market entry strategies, managing business relationships, building credibility and establishing rapport with potential clients.

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