Ascites
Ascites is accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity of chicken. It is a
non infectious disease caused by complex events that affect the supply of
oxygen to the tissues. Disease is of major economic loss in broiler industry
causing mortality up to 25%.
Earlier it was known as high altitude disease. However in current years it
is reported in flocks reared in low altitude also.
Why Ascites Happens in Birds ?
Ascites is accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity of chicken. It is a
non infectious disease caused by complex events that affect the supply of
oxygen to the tissues. Disease is of major economic loss in broiler industry
causing mortality up to 25%.
Earlier it was known as high altitude disease. However in current years it
is reported in flocks reared in low altitude also.
Lungs of birds cannot expand like mammals because they are fitted
tightly in thoracic cavity.
Birds' lung has minute blood vessels which cannot accommodate
increased blood flow to the lungs.
The lungs of chicken grow slowly compared to the rest of the body.
Why Ascites Happens in Broiler ?
The modern broiler chicken is susceptible to acities because of its rapid
growth rate, high feed efficiency and large breast muscles which demands
more oxygen. In addition broiler has smaller lung volume in proportion to body
growth.
In addition poor ventilation, overcrowding, ammonia formation, sodium
toxicity, heat stress, vitamin E deficiency etc., are the causes for ascites in
broilers.
Liver Lesions: Liver may be swollen and congested, or firm and
shrunken with irregular surface
