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MORTALITY IN BIRDS: CAUSES AND CONTROL.
One of the most common causes of mortality in birds or chicks is sudden death. But, what is sudden death syndrome in birds? Sudden death syndrome, also known as acute death, occurs in birds. suddenly with a jump, a scream, a flap and fall dead on their backs. Lung lesions are visible in this death, but there is no other indication of the cause of death.
In general, chick deaths in about the first 3-4 days are closely linked to the quality of day-old chicks arriving from the hatchery. After 3-4 days, death is more closely linked to the quality of post-hatch care of the chicks. It is important to visualize and recognize signs of weak chicks and to remove dead birds quickly to control and minimize losses. Early identification of causes of death is essential to avoid further complications.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEAD CHICK AND CAUSE OF DEATH:
1 Lying on the stomach or back: Metabolic disorder that appears between 2 and 5 weeks of age. It can be controlled with a correct management of the bird's food.
2 Back position, wings outstretched and (often) one leg in the air: These characteristics correspond to the sudden death mentioned above. There, the chick's heart stops beating, the chick jumps and falls backwards with fulmination. This death can be controlled by slightly reducing growth by using lower light intensity until a mortality rate of less than 0.05% per day is achieved.
3 Well-developed chicks, with full crop: Older chicks suffering from excessive strain on the heart or inflammation of the heart wall or heart valve. There is no specific method of control in this case, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
4 Deteriorated bird with fluid-filled stomach: Ascites o Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome, which occurs in the chick from three weeks of age. Ascites is related to rapid growth and increased metabolic processes in chicks (which are susceptible to heat stress). It is recommended to restrict accelerated growth in the next cycle, ensure air circulation and control day-night temperature fluctuations.
5 Lying on the stomach, with the neck forward and the feet backward: Asphyxia. Drowning occurs in the bird due to obstruction in its respiratory tract as a consequence of a viral infection or adverse reactions to vaccination.
References: Poultryworld.net
