[Effect of drinking water on animal health: toxicologic health risks]

To avoid health risks in farm animals it is necessary to limit the intake of unwanted chemical compounds via air, feed or drinking water. The basis for this procedure are experimental results of Veterinary Toxicology, after which acceptable daily intakes can be estimated. A health risk is not present, if those limits are not exceeded. Risks may not only occur as an impairment of health itself but as well as a reduction of yield of food producing animals (body growth, production of meat and fat, fertility, milk and egg production). In addition the cumulation of unwanted compounds in tissues, which are used for the production of food of animal origin, is of great importance for the limitation of daily intakes of those environmental pollutants. Following the results of toxicological experiments in the target animals "Toxicological Drinking Water Standards for Animals" can be established.