Compensatory water consumption of broilers submitted to water restriction from 1 to 21 days of age

Abstract

A hundred and fifty male Ross 308 broilers were submitted to water restriction (WR) in different levels (0 to 40%) until 21 days of age. The birds received water ad libitum from 22 to 28 days of age and the compensatory consumption of water (CConW) was calculated as the difference in water intake between birds submitted and not submitted to WR. All WR groups showed a compensatory consumption of water, mainly during the first days of the ad libitum period. The water intake in such groups decreased as the birds adapted to the new condition. Higher water intake was observed in birds with 30 and 40% WR than in birds with 10% WR. Furthermore, chickens showed an unusual drinking and feeding behavior during the restriction period.