Paper Details

Water quality and pollution index were determined for poultry production in Maiduguri Metropolis. Ten poultry farms were sampled in Maiduguri metropolis for water quality analysis. Water samples from 10 boreholes and 10 tanks were collected during wet and dry seasons and analysed in the laboratory for physicochemical and biological parameters. Water Quality Pollution Index (WQPI) was computed using the standard formula and classified as excellent, good quality water, moderately polluted, and highly polluted water based on the scores obtained through interview on poultry production which were recorded and subsequently transcribed. The findings from the study revealed that out of 40 water samples tested, only 12.5% of samples were found in the excellent category, 45% were categorized as good quality water, 27.5% were moderately polluted and 15% sample were categorized as highly polluted. All respondents reported chemical contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals can adversely affect poultry performance. Respondents acknowledged the adverse effects of TDS and the corrosion of pipelines and metal tanks. Bacterial contamination can cause digestive disorders, reduced egg production, poor egg quality, including shell abnormalities and discolouration, reduced feed intake, and increased mortality, leading to financial losses for poultry farms. The study established that water sources from DF, AM, UF, and FGF farms are detrimental and unfit for poultry production. The study recommended that appropriate remediation measures should be implemented through installation of water treatment systems or the identification of alternative sources of water for the affected poultry farms. KEYWORDS:Borehole water; Pollution Index; Poultry production; Water contaminants