This experiment was conducted to verify the effect of KCl on potassium balance and performance of broilers in summer. A total of 288 broiler chickens aged 28 to 49 days was utilized, allocated according to a completely randomized design in a 6 x 2 factorial scheme 6 levels of KCl (0,0; 0,4; 0,8; 1,2; 1,6; 2,0 %) and 2 sexes, with four replications of 6 birds each. The maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and black globe-humidity index (BGHI) were of 31,5ºC and 20ºC, 68% and of 73%, respectability. With the growing supplementation of KCl, there was a linear increase (P<0.01) in the intake, excretion and retention of the potassium, concentration of potassium in the plasma and water consumption. There was a linear reduction (P<0.01) of the excreta dry matter. The males overcame the females (P<0.01) in the intake and excretion of potassium. However, the females overcame the males (P<0.01) in the retention of the potassium. There was a positive balance of potassium for the males as for the females. There was no difference for the performance of the broilers.
KCl; broiler; heat stress; potassium balance
