Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate supplements for broilers can cause poor performance at high temperatures.

1. Supplements of between 2 and 8 g of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)/l in drinking water provided between 21 and 49 d of age to broilers at 31 degrees C increased growth after 35 d of age and food intake after 42 d of age compared to unsupplemented controls. The most consistent responses were observed with 2 g NaHCO3/l. 2. Differences in weekly water intakes with different concentrations of NaHCO3 in the drinking water did not equate with variations in weekly food intake and growth. 3. Unexpected high mortality from dehydration and nephrosis was observed with a 10 g NaHCO3/l supplement. This mortality was associated with major changes in blood acid-base balance and plasma electrolyte concentrations. 4. Dietary supplements of NaHCO3 gave significantly better food conversion and numerically better growth in broilers at 31 degrees C than supplements of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) providing similar dietary concentrations of bicarbonate. 5. Supplements of NaHCO3 were more toxic to broiler chickens when supplied in the drinking water than in the diet. This appeared to be related to the intake of sodium and alterations to cellular membrane ionic potential.