Parameter | Ideal Range | Maximum Limit | Notes |
Total Bacteria (CFU/ml) | 0 | 100 | Clean systems essential |
Faecal Coliforms (CFU/ml) | 0 | 50 | Should be absent |
Pseudomonas | 0 | 4 | Biofilm-former |
pH | 6.5 – 7.8 | <5 or >8 | Low pH = poor digestion |
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | <3000 | >5000 | High TDS affects FCR |
Sodium (mg/l) | <50 | 150 | Excess = diarrhea |
Chloride (mg/l) | 50 | 150 | Taste and FCR impact |
Sulphate (mg/l) | 9 | 37.5 | Laxative above 50 |
Nitrates (mg/l) | 1 – 5 | 25 | Linked to gut stress |
Nitrites (mg/l) | 0 | 1 | Highly toxic |
Iron (mg/l) | 0.2 | 0.3 | Blocks drinkers |
Manganese (mg/l) | 0.01 | 0.05 | Odor and taste issues |
Zinc (mg/l) | 0 | 1.5 | Toxic above limit |
Issue | Impact | Solution |
Low pH (<6.3) | Poor digestion, incompatibility with medications | Buffer or neutralize water |
High sodium or chloride | Diarrhea, wet litter, reduced growth | Reverse osmosis, blend with freshwater |
Biofilm contamination (high bacterial count) | Gut dysbiosis, mortality | Sanitize systems regularly |
High TDS or sulphate | Increased water excretion, FCR deterioration | Ion exchange, water softening |
Hardness (Ca, Mg) | Scale in pipes, valve failure | Potassium chloride-based softeners |
Iron >3 mg/l | Blocked drinkers, black stains | Pre-treatment filtration |