Seventy-two drinking water samples of broiler chickens were analyzed, eighteen from the entrance and fifty-four from the bell-shaped drinkers. The samples were submitted to the measurement of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci Escherichia coli and mesophilic microorganisms, as well as the detection of Salmonella sp. and chlorine demand. The results showed a high bacteriological contamination on the first week, with the index ranging from 10³ a 10(5). There wasn’t isolation of any Salmonella strain, probably because of no existence of infected poultry in the band. The chlorine demand rate went up to high concentration, due to high accumulation of organic matter in the drinkers, reaching the top on the fifth week (98,7%), followed by a slight decrease on the sixth week (98,5%). The analyses of the results showed that bell-shaped drinkers are depreciative apparatus and inefficient as to sanitary-hygienic qualities of the water provided to broiler chickens, contributing to a higher risk of contamination by hydric pathogenes. The usage of higher lasting types of drinkers and weekly monitoring of chlorine waste in the bell-shaped drinkers was recommended, aiming to obtain a satisfactory disinfection of the water.
water; broiler; bell; microbiological quality; break point chlorination
