Introduction
A condition occurring worldwide in chickens, especially caged layers and with a complex set of causes including excessive calories, mycotoxins, deficiency and stress.
Signs
- Overweight typically by 25%.
- Sudden death.
- Sudden drop in egg production.
- Some birds with pale comb and wattles.
Post-mortem lesions
- Obesity.
- Headparts pale.
- Liver yellow, greasy and soft with numerous haemorrhages.
- Death by internal exsanguination after rupture of haematocyst.
Diagnosis
Lesions, history.
Treatment
Reduce energy intake, supplement with choline, vitamin E, B12 and inositol.
Prevention
Feed to avoid obesity, avoid mycotoxins and stress.