Introduction
Vitamin D deficiency or phosphorus/calcium imbalance is seen in chickens, turkeys and ducks worldwide.
Signs
- Lameness.
- Hock swelling.
- Soft bones and beak.
- Birds go off legs.
- Poor growth.
- Birds rest squatting.
- Reduction in bodyweight.
Post-mortem lesions
- Bones soft and rubbery.
- Epiphyses of long bones enlarged.
- Beading and fracture of ribs.
- Growth plates widened and disorganised.
- Beak soft.
- Parathyroids enlarged.
Diagnosis
History, signs, lesions. Differentiate from Encephalomalacia, Femoral Head Necrosis.
Treatment
Over-correct ration with three times vitamin D for 2 weeks, or Vitamin D or 25-hydroxy vitamin D in drinking water.
Prevention
Supplementation of vitamin D, proper calcium and phosphorus levels and ratio, antioxidants.