Impact of using ionized drinking water on growth performance and DNA damage of broiler chicks

Given the limited research on the use of water ionization devices for broiler chickens, this study aimed to explore the impact of ionized drinking water on their growth performance, oxidative status, and DNA damage. Six hundred one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two equal groups of six replicates (50 birds each). The control group (C) received tap water, and the treatment group (T) received ionized water. Water analysis for each treatment was performed. Productive traits, including water consumption and body weight, were recorded. Biochemical parameters, such as total protein, triiodothyronine (T₃), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were determined. Additionally, alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was performed to assess primary DNA damage. The results indicated that ionized water exhibited a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), a characteristic often associated with antioxidant properties, and lower total dissolved solids (TDS) compared to tap water. The treated chicks showed higher water intake rates and final body weights than the control group. They also exhibited elevated levels of total protein, globulin, T₃, TAC, and lower ROS levels than the control. Furthermore, the current results indicate that the use of ionized drinking water increases growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and aquaporin1 (AQP1) expression levels while decreasing calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and DNA damage. Consequently, the application of water ionization for broiler chicken drinking water is recommended to enhance animal productivity and health.