THE IMPACT OF GOUT ON POULTRY HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

THE IMPACT OF GOUT ON POULTRY HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

1. Hariharan¹, R. Agnishwaran¹, S. Elackiya², A.Varun³and V. Rajaganapathy⁴

¹M.V.Sc Scholar, Rajiv Gandhi Insitute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry

²M.V.Sc Scholar, IVRI, Bengaluru

³Assistant Professor, Rajiv Gandhi Insitute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry

⁴Professor and Head, Dept. of LPM, Rajiv Gandhi Insitute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry

Introduction:

Metabolic disorders include conditions caused by malfunctions in the body’s hormonal, enzymatic, storage diseases resulting from improper metabolic activity of secretory products, or disorders involving the breakdown or diminished activity of certain metabolic processes. These conditions linked to elevated metabolism, improper development, or reduced production. Metabolic diseases can also affect chickens and lead to systemic failure by placing an excessive burden on certain organs or systems. Generally found to affect the musculoskeletal systems, resulting in a negative impact on the growth rate and leading to lameness however contributes to lesser mortality compared to pathogenic agents and in poultry such as broilers and turkeys, which are responsible for a substantial amount of flock death rates, these disorders cause a greater economical loss. Metabolic disorders in poultry are relatively rare in commercial operations, but they can occur under certain conditions associated with increased metabolism, imbalaned nutrition diet, rapid growth rates, or hens laying eggs intensely. These metabolic diseases derive from the strains seen in the birds’ physiological systems caused by the challenges in meeting dietary requirements. Inadequacy in nutrition causes imbalance in essential nutrients which further hamper metabolic processes and the overall health of the individual. While chicken are bred for optimized performance like faster growth or greater egg production, they become prone to metabolic disturbances. Accordingly, it becomes imperative that a well-balanced and tailored diet is maintained in order to prevent these disorders and ensure the health and welfare of commercial poultry flocks.

Types of Gout:

Gout can be classified into two types based on the site of uric acid deposition. Uric acid deposition in the soft tissue is known as visceral gout, and in the articular region, it is known as articular gout.

Visceral gout:

It is characterized by the deposition of urate and uric acid on the serosal surface observed in the liver, kidney, pericardium, heart, and air sacs. The acute form of gout tends to cause huge mortality in the affected flock. Most commonly seen in broilers of 2-3 days old, and layers got affected above the age of 14 weeks. Due to renal dysfunction, they fail to eliminate the uric acid, so it starts accumulating in the blood, followed by tissues.

Articular gout:

It is characterized by the deposition of urate around the joints, ligaments, and tendon sheaths. Most commonly observed in the synovial fluid and synovial membrane of toes and wing joints, it also induces the chronic granulomatous reaction to urate crystals (needle-like) called tophi. In addition, the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals around the joints is known as peri-articular gout. Due to the pain, the bird wants to sit on flat surfaces instead of perching. The bird may also be depressed, and dehydrated with greenish diarrhea and with ruffled feathers. The urate crystals are deposited in the wings as well, mostly in the wing joints in the bird’s wrist. Renal functions are normal and may become abnormal with uric acid deposition if the birds get dehydrated.

Etiology of Gout:

 Diagnosis of Gout:

It is difficult to diagnose the gout in poultry because the signs correlate with the other conditions. To make an accurate diagnosis, the complete history of the condition and the postmortem examination are needed. Common clinical signs include lethargy, enlarged joint, shuffling gait, lameness, weight loss, and reduced feed intake.

Postmortem lesions:

In visceral forms, chalky deposition on the serous surface of visceral organs such as the heart, liver, kidney, and ureter. Visceral organ congestion due to dehydration and emaciation leads to hemoconcentration. Pinpoint hemorrhage and swollen kidneys along with the urate crystals are deposited in the ureter. In Articular form, the presence of white chalky nodules in the tissue (mostly in subcutaneous tissues).

Histopathological findings:

The presence of fine needle-shaped urate crystals in the kidney tubules and heart. Also in the kidney, the urate granuloma is surrounded by a zone of hyperemia.

Laboratory diagnosis:

X-ray-Radiograph:

Gout in birds can result from the accumulation of uric acid crystals or mineral nodules in the kidneys. These deposits can be visible on X-ray images, helping veterinarians diagnose and monitor the condition.

Prevention and control of gout:

1. Health Management

Immunization:

• Follow the immunization schedule for Infectious Bronchitis (IB) in commercial flocks and breeders. The nephrotic strain vaccination at day 1 beak dip or day 4 has proven beneficial to the flocks.
• It may be essential to use a spray vaccine at the hatchery level where the IB disease is endemic.

Avoid Mycotoxin:

• The control of mycotoxin levels is essential to avoid Gout. Therefore it is necessary to check the amount of mycotoxins present in the raw material. So, high-quality toxin binders and acidifiers need to be added to the raw material.

Reduce the kidney load:

• Sensible usage of NSAIDs, antibiotics, chemicals, disinfectants, and anticoccidials helps to lessen the workload of kidney

2. Hatchery Management:

• Incubation Time – ideal temperature and humidity must be provided.
• Ideal handling and storage condition for eggs.
• Optimal brooding temperature should be maintained.
• Adequate ventilation must be there in the flock.

3. Water management:

• Sodium level in the water is also accountable. So, giving more electrolytes through water helps flush out uric acid in gout conditions. Here, the concentrated sugar or jaggery water is very helpful.
• Since dehydration is one of the major causes of Gout, promoting ad libitum water consumption, a sufficient number of waterers should be available. The waterer height must be appropriate for the size of the birds.
• The provision of urine acidifiers through water such as vinegar, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, and ammonium sulfate appears to be effective in lowering the incidence of gout.
• Kidney Revitalizers along with water increase kidney function and improve the flushing of accumulated urates. It can also be used as a prophylactic in water for 4-5 days continuously.
• Gout can be controlled by diuretics like coconut water and methionine hydroxyl can be mixed with water.

4. Feed Management:

• A balanced diet with an adequate ratio of calcium to phosphorous must be given.
• Ideal electrolyte balance is essential – salt content in the feed should not exceed more than 0.5%.
• The feed protein level should not exceed the BIS standard level.
• Adulteration of raw material with urea leads to increased uric acid production. This should be controlled.
• Feed dilution can be followed either by diluting feed partially with grain sources or by replacing the feed entirely with pure grain sources (ground maize) for 3-5 days. This will help to reduce the workload of the kidney to eliminate uric acid.

Conclusion:

Proper management for metabolic diseases like gout in poultry is essential for maintaining flock health and ensuring optimal productivity. It clearly indicated that gout can cause significant economic losses and decrease in productivity. Understanding the primary causes is important to prevent gout. Providing balanced nutrition, effective healthcare management, and preventive measures are crucial. By implementing comprehensive strategies that focus on proper treatment, and preventive measures can help to control such diseases. Poultry farmers can minimize the impact of gout and defend both the health and productivity of the flock.

Reference:

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