How to prevent early chick mortality? – Dr. Rishabh Chugh , Dr. Rashika Srivastava & Dr. Parul Rana

Chicks are very frail (delicate health), especially during first few weeks of their life. Chicks lay foundation of any poultry farm and their health directly affects the profitability of a farmer. Future performance of a farm is highly dependent on the way chicks are nurtured at early stage; therefore it is imperative to have sound management for prevent early chick mortality. A high mortality rate is indicative that something is wrong with the flock, and it demands the poultry owner’s immediate intervention and appropriate action to stop further losses as failure to do so may lead to huge losses. Ideally, total mortality at seven days of age should not be more than 1%.

1.Causes of early chicks mortality.

a. Genetics

b. Infections

c. Management

d. Nutrition

2.Prevention/Treatment/General Guidelines

1.Causes of early chicks mortality

There are several factors affecting early chick mortality; however, common causes of early chick mortality have been divided into 4 categories:

a. Genetics

b. Infections

c. Management

d. Nutrition

A. Genetic causes of early chicks mortality

Poor health of parental flocks leads to production of low quality and unhealthy chicks. Many diseases from breeder flocks can be transferred to chicks which causes early chick mortality. Improper and unhygienic incubation conditions can also lead to poor quality chick production.

B. Infectious causes of early chicks mortality

Chicks have a weak immune system; hence they are more susceptible to infections. Common diseases which lead to early chick mortality are:

OMPHALITIS

Also known as Yolk sac infection; causative agents are E. coli (most common), Pseudomonas and Staphylococci.

Clinical signs: Dullness, pasty vent

Gross lesions: unabsorbed yolk, yolk discoloration to yellow green/brown

FOWL TYPHOID: caused by Salmonella gallinarum

Clinical signs: Watery-yellowish diarrhea, Reduced feed consumption

Gross lesions: Enlargement of spleen & Liver. Characteristic copper color of liver with white necrotic foci

BROODER’S PNEUMONIA / ASPERGILLOSIS: caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. High moisture contents litter provides suitable environmental for the growth of fungus.

Clinical signs: Difficulty in breathing, dullness, whistling rales

Gross lesions:     Presence of Yellowish nodules in the lungs & air sacs

C. Managemental causes of early chicks mortality

1 Overheating

2 Chilling and Piling

3 Lack of Feed

4 Overcrowding

5 Faulty Vaccination

6 Predators

7 Gas poisoning

OVERHEATING

High brooding temperature causes loss of water from the body, when this water loss reaches about 10% the chick die due to dehydration. Vent Pasting is another problem of high brooding temperature in which feces become stacked around the vent area causing blockage of the vent which ultimately results in death.

CHILLING

Low brooding temperature causes pneumonia problem in young chicks, in which the color of lungs become blue. During low temperature chicks huddle together to maintain body temperature which results in piling/smothering and death.

LACK OF FEED

Young chicks do not have fat storage to fulfill body needs during starvation, so it results in death.

OVERCROWDING

Less floor space is another cause of mortality in chicks as it causes dampness of the litter material which become a suitable site for the multiplication of micro organism, causing, coccidiosis etc. Providing less feeder and waterer space to chicks causes starvation and death.

FAULTY VACCINATION

Mishandling during vaccination or vaccinating at wrong site can lead to higher mortality rates in chicks.

PREDATORS

Predators like Rat, Dog, Cat etc. also cause mortality especially if brooding houses are not properly constructed.

GAS POISONING

High concentration of different toxic gases also causes mortality which are;

Ammonia : It causes irritation of mucous membrane & eyes, low feed consumption, reduced growth rate, loss of cilia in the trachea , hemorrhages and death at level above 100 ppm, so its concentration should be less than 25 ppm.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): If the conc. of CO2 goes beyond 30%, it causes suffocation and death.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO combines with hemoglobin to form carboxy-hemoglobin which is unable to transport oxygen. The lethal conc. of CO is 2000-3600 ppm .

D. Nutritional causes of early chicks mortality

Water: Water plays an important role in maintaining the health and performance of the birds. It acts as a transport medium for nutrients and metabolic end products. It helps in maintaining deep body temperature during hot weather. Imbalance and unhygienic water causes high mortality.

Deficiency of vitamins: Severe deficiency of vitamins causes death, but minor deficiency causes cessation of growth, ruffled feather, lacrimation, rickets, encephalomalacia, exudative diathesis and anemia.

Lameness: Deficiency or imbalance of Calcium, Phosphorus and some trace minerals may lead to leg abnormalities which make feed and water inaccessible to birds leading to mortality.

2.. General Guidelines to minimize early chicks mortality

The first step taken in the treatment of early chick mortality should be an investigation into the underlying cause. To prevent early chick losses, following measures should be considered:

Buy chicks only from trusted suppliers: Most of the health problems affecting birds are due to low genetic background. Hence, it is vital to buy chicks from a reputable and trusted supplier who raises healthy parent stocks.

Housing management: Proper cleaning and washing of shed & use of terminal disinfectant between flocks is necessary to reduce microbial load.

Biosecurity: Adopt strict bio-security measures. Keep the farm protected from predators.

Supply sufficient space to chicks: Proper space is necessary according the age of birds (1 sq.ft. for 4 chicks). No. of drinkers should be 2%. Keep drinkers and feeders clean. Proper care on cross-ventilation should be given especially during brooding period. An inlet & outlet for air should be kept in brooders house.

Management of litter: Before placement of litter, it is better to dry it in the sunlight. Use copper sulphate spray upon litter (10g/litre) before arrival of chicks.

Prevention of temperature problems: To prevent the problems of dehydration, pasting, chilling and smothering; adjust the brooding temperature atleast 6 hours before placing the chicks in the shed. Try to maintain the brooding temperature throughout the shed uniformly.

Water consumption: Water consumption of the chicks should also be monitored regularly and height of drinkers should be adjusted with time.

Unavoidable stress like touching, debeaking or vaccination should be done only when the chicks are comfortable.

Strictly follow vaccination schedules recommended as per location and history of your farm. If mortality is due to any infection, follow strict medication schedule as recommended by veterinarian.

Arrange regular visit of a veterinarian to check flock health status

Authors

Dr. Rishabh Chugh
M.V.Sc. (Animal nutrition)
Director, Brinda Feeds Pvt Ltd

Dr. Rashika Srivastava
PhD. Scholar
Animal Nutrition (NDRI)

Dr. Parul Rana
PhD. Scholar
Animal Nutrition (NDRI)