Effects of electrolyte and lighting regimen on growth of heat-distressed broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible interactions between photoschedules [23 h light (L):1 h dark (D); 16L:8D] and electrolytes provided by KCl and NaCl in the drinking water of broilers grown at elevated temperatures. Birds raised on each photoschedule were exposed to 8 h of 23.9 C, 4 h of 23.9 to 35 C, 4 h of 35 C, and 8 h of 35 to 23.9 C. Photoschedule had no effect on body weight gain, feed consumption, or carcass characteristics. Male birds that received NaCl gained 10.5% more (P < .05) weight than those receiving no water additive. Male birds consumed up to 37% more water (P < .05) and gained up to 21% more weight (P < .05) than similarly raised females. There was no effect of electrolytes on carcass characteristics.