Salt Concentration in Poultry Feed (BIS Standard)

Correct Answer: 0.5%

As per BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) 2007, the maximum permissible salt (NaCl) concentration in poultry feed is 0.5% for all types of poultry rations — from broiler prestarter to layer Phase II.

Why Salt is Limited

• Poultry are highly sensitive to excess salt (NaCl). Salt toxicity causes: excessive thirst, wet droppings, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, death.
• Poultry have no ability to efficiently regulate sodium excretion — unlike mammals.

Salt-Related Standards for Poultry

• Salt in feed (max): 0.5% (BIS 2007 — applies to all poultry feed types)
• Salt (NaCl) in drinking water (safe upper limit): 3,000 ppm
• Tibial dyschondroplasia: High dietary level of chloride (not sodium) may increase its incidence in broilers.