Fatty liver syndrome in poultry is a slow-killing disease in poultry to which most farmers pay little attention or, at the least, are unaware.
It occurs when a high quantity of fat accumulates in the hen’s liver beyond what it can naturally store, causing it to rupture and hemorrhage.
What causes a fatty liver
Fatty Liver Syndrome can be triggered by a mixture of factors, including heat stress, especially during the summer, lack of exercise, egg-laying, high carbohydrate feed, a low-protein, high-fat diet, and moldy food, to name a few.
1. Highg carbohydrate feed
High carbohydrate content in broiler feed resulting in fat accumulation is a regular occurrence. Fatty liver syndrome is considered to be the cause of sudden death in the flock.
Birds are constantly exposed to feed and have less movement. Ensure you get the proper carbohydrate content measurement for your feed formulation to avoid this.
2. Lack of exercise
Because laying birds in battery cage systems are limited from making strenuous movements, they are more likely to gain weight if fed high-energy feed.
However, a farm yard with strong biosecurity compliance can use a semi-intensive method to release the birds to exercise occasionally.
3. Low-protein, high-fat diet
Poultry feed with a high-fat level and low protein content might harm the animal’s health. When making your feed, use caution or, if possible, use pre-formulated feed from a reputable source.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver?
Idleness in the bird is one symptom you are likely to observe. Mostly, it may not occur to you, and before you realize the birds will start falling off.
Due to changes in calcium metabolism, laying rates decline, skeletal issues manifest, and eggshells weaken in laying and breeding chickens. A specific symptom is an enlarged or bloated belly brought on by secondary ascites, fat buildup, or an abnormally big liver.
Fatty liver syndrome in poultry treatment
Supplementing sick chickens with lipotropic substances such as chlorine (500 mg/kg), methionine (0.1 percent), and vitamin B12 aids in the breakdown of liver fat and promotes recovery. Lack of calcium has been linked to FLHS.
Can fatty liver disease in birds be cured?
It can be stopped by good nutrition. Unfortunately, a bird is reluctant to switch from its regular diet, especially if the new food seems unfamiliar, like pellets.
What causes enlarged liver in chickens?
The FLHS is characterized by livers engorged with fat and yellowed and swollen. Although it is not always present, bleeding in the abdominal cavity is usual. This condition affects chickens’ metabolism and results from an unbalanced diet.
How do I know if my bird has fatty liver disease?
Non-specific clinical symptoms in birds with fatty liver disease include depression, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Many birds are obese or overweight, and fatty infiltration can cause the liver to expand.
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