A condition of broiler chickens of unknown cause, possibly metabolic. It can be induced by lactic acidosis and about 70% of birds affected are males.
SIGNS
-Sudden death in convulsion, most are found lying on their back.
-Post-mortem lesions Intestine filled with feed.
Hemorrhages in muscles and kidneys.
The atria of the heart have blood, the ventricles are empty.
Serum accumulation in the lung (maybe little if examined shortly after death).
Livers are heavier than those of pen-mates (as a percentage of body weight.).
-Diagnosis
Birds found on back with lack of other pathology.
TREATMENT
None possible.
PREVENTION
-Lowering carbohydrate intake (change to mash),
– feed restriction,
-lighting programs,
-low-intensity light,
-use of dawn to dusk simulation
– avoidance of disturbance
-Use of Electrolytes and Vitamins
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