ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BOREHOLE WATER QUALITY FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assesses the physical and bacteriological parameters of borehole water quality for poultry
production In Maiduguri Metropolis. Low yield of egg, spread diseases, mortality chickens and bird flu may
not be unconnected with condition of groundwater in the area, which needs to be investigated. Groundwater
samples from 10 boreholes and 10 tanks in Maiduguri Metropolis were sampled and analysed. The samples
were collected in wet and dry seasons for various physical water quality parameters and bacteriological
contaminants. The study showed that most of the physical parameters were within the limits recommended for
poultry production. All the water samples were found to be tasteless and odourless, with temperatures ranging
from 21.5 - 36.5 , Turbidity 2 – 7 NTU, Colour 6 – 14 TCU, TDS 180 – 870mg/L, Coliform bacteria 0.01x102
- 0.14x102
, Escherichia coli 0.01x102
- 0.13x102
, and Clostridium perfringens spore 0.01x102
- 0.08x102
. The study concluded that in terms of physical parameters, most of the tested samples are safe, although some
parameters in both seasons exceeded standard values, while based on bacteriological parameters, all the
water sources are harmful and not suitable for poultry production. The study recommended that poultry
farmers should establish a mini water testing and treatment system that will enable them to conduct regular
testing of physical parameters of borehole water and microbiological contaminants.