Developmental a protocol for a systematic review on the effect of drinking water quality on the efficacy of antimicrobial and vaccine treatments in chickens and turkeys

The poultry industry is vital for global food production and according to projections, its consumption is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Water plays an essential role in the health and productivity of poultry, powering the majority of homeostatic functions. However, the quality of poultry drinking water is often overlooked. In addition, drinking water is the medium through which antibiotics and vaccines are typically administered. Previous literature has addressed how variations in water quality and suboptimal levels of certain parameters can interfere with stability, absorption and overall efficacy of these treatments. However, a need exists for a comprehensive review of the topic. A protocol for a systematic review was developed following PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines and in line with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A review question was formulated according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) framework for Interventions, with a focus on chickens and turkeys. Objectives, methodologies and other necessary aspects of the protocol were elucidated in exhaustive detail. The final protocol will be published online with Systematic Reviews for Animals and Food (SYREAF), following which the systematic review process will be initiated.