The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% water restriction (WR) on broiler performance, behavior, organ development (heart, leg, proventriculus and gizzard, liver, and intestines), and intestinal micrometry. Four hundred and eighty ROSS 308 male broilers were raised in battery cages measuring 0.72 m², from 1 to 21 days of age. Feed was offered ad libitum, and environmental temperatures were kept in thermoneutral conditions. Water intake was estimated based on a control group, two days older than the experimental birds, with same initial weight. A linear reduction on bird performance, duodenal villi height, and fresh organs weight were observed as WR increased. At 21 days of age, for each 1% WR, a weight loss of 8.5 g was observed. However, the mortality rate was not affected by any WR level. Organ weight, relative to body weight, was not affected by WR, except for heart, which weight increased with WR. Villi numbers and crypts depth were not affected by WR. Birds under WR changed their behavior, becoming aggressive and irritated. Electron microscopy data showed higher villi extrusion in WR broilers. In conclusion, WR, regardless its magnitude, should be avoided in broiler production.
behavior; chickens; duodenal morphology and histology; organs; water
