PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE TREATED DRINKING WATER OF BROILER BIRDS

摘要

In our study, dose dependent increase of alkalinity was found and highest value (160.66 +-20.17) was observed in 700 ppm at 4* hr post-treatment with BC. Increased pH and alkalinity of the water at higher dose rate will alter the optimal acidic environment of proventriculus, thereby, affecting the proteolytic activity in proventriculus with resultant protein malnutrition which may reflect as poor body weight gain in birds. Water constitutes an extremely important segment in maintaining optimal body weight gain in broiler birds. Consumption of good quality water becomes mandatory to sustain good health. Wholesomeness of water depends on factors such as dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, pH, alkalinity and conductivity. Benzalkonium chloride(BC), a cationic surfactant is a proven biocidal agent. It is gaining popularity as water sanitizer in poultry industry. Work has previously been done to see the effect of different dose rate of BC on birds (Mayeda, 1968; Reuber et al, 1970). In the present study attempt was made to assess the wholesomeness of the drinking water upon mixing of BC at different dose rate and to find out the possible effect it will have on the metabolic pathway of birds.