Sodium Requirements for the First Seven Days in Broiler Chicks

A study was carried out to investigate the sodium requirements of broiler chicks in the first week post-hatching using diets with two dietary electrolyte balances (DEB). During the first week, birds were given feeds with four levels of total sodium (0.12, 0.24, 0.36, and 0.48%) and two DEB (Na+ + K+ − Cl− = 160 or 240 mEq/kg). Feeds given thereafter to 42 d had common formulation. Both sodium and DEB affected live performance of chicks. Increasing sodium in the feed led to improvements in BW and feed conversion through the first week. Birds fed increased sodium had up to 25% increased water consumption and had corresponding reductions of 12 and 13% in carcass and excreta DM in the seventh day of age. Water consumed remained 6% higher in birds fed increased sodium through the second week of age. Regression analysis were run for BW gain and feed conversion, which estimated sodium requirements between 0.38 and 0.40% in the first week post-hatching. Since responses to increased sodium did not remain with broilers marketed at 6 wk of age, the use of this study’s estimated requirements will depend on the need to improve the performance immediately after hatching. There was an increased mortality at 4 d of age when the levels of sodium were maximized (0.48%). Increasing DEB from 160 to 240 mEq/kg demonstrated benefits on weight gain and feed conversion, but only limited to the first 4 d of age.