Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
*E-mail: drsdchow@gmail.com; Telephone: 880-91-61974; Fax: 880-91-61510
Cobb 500, day old broiler chicks (288) were divided into three groups of 96 birds each. For a period of 28 days, one group was received electrolytes in drinking water continuously during the day time, the other group received this treatment only when the temperature rose to 30°C or above and another group was maintained as a control. Feed conversion ratio improved (P<0.05) in groups received electrolytes in drinking water. Administration of electrolytes also increased (P<0.01) water consumption during heat stress period. Supplementation of electrolytes, both continuously and intermittently, did not alter the meat composition. Electrolytes supplementation accounted a little cost and relative profitability tended to be higher (P>0.05). It is concluded that administration of electrolytes through drinking water continuously during daytime is useful and cost-effective for heat stressed commercial broilers.
Broiler, Electrolytes, Heat stress, Performance, Profitability
