Assessment of Drinking-water Quality Intended for Poultry Production: A Baseline Study from Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Water quality is an important component of poultry production and may influence bird health, performance, farm infrastructure and biosecurity. The present study was conducted to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources intended for poultry-farm use in Salem district. A total of 30 water samples were collected by convenience sampling from accessible sites associated with poultry farms before the commencement of poultry production. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity and total hardness were measured using an LMMP30 Water Quality Multiparameter. Coliforms were estimated by the five-tube most probable number (MPN) method using MacConkey lactose broth. The pH ranged from 6.90 – 8.80, with a mean of 7.85 ± 0.45. EC ranged from 592 – 46,800 µS/cm, while TDS ranged from 297 – 2,530 mg/L. Salinity ranged from 0.23 – 2.70 ppt and total hardness ranged from 240 – 1,692 mg/L. Coliform counts ranged from 0 – 170 MPN/100 mL, with detectable coliforms present in 24 (80.0%) samples. The findings demonstrated considerable variation in the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources intended for poultry production. The presence of coliforms and elevated mineralisation in several sources highlight the importance of baseline water-quality assessment before farm establishment. Regular monitoring, appropriate water sanitation and further seasonal and pathogen-specific investigations are recommended.