An error in the nutritional composition of livestock can bring great loss to farmers.
It has been noted that nutritional deficiency is one of the issue farmers faced in poultry farming.
Here are 10 signs of nutrition deficiency in poultry fed and unbalanced diet:
1. Decreased or Lack of Energy
Lethargy in poultry can be a lack of available carbohydrates, protein or magnesium to support normal daily activity and function.
2. Feather Abnormalities
There are several nutrient deficiencies that can lead to abnormal feather appearance. Deficiency of a specific amino acid, niacin, folic acid, cobalamin or zinc all can result in strange feathering. Specifically, vitamin D is likely the deficient nutrient if feathers are blackened. Additionally, lack of riboflavin results in “Clubbed Down”. Clubbed down is a syndrome characterized by down feathers of newly hatched chicks growing curled up inside follicles.
3. Depigmentation of Feathers
Furthermore, lack of lysine results in loss of pigmentation. Copper and Iron deficiencies result in decreased red pigmentations.
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4. Dermatitis and Skin Lesions
Irritation and inflammation of the skin can be the result of a diet lacking niacin, biotin, or pantothenic acid. Similarly, lesions specifically located on the foot pad can be attributed to biotin deficiency.
5. Keratinization of Mucous Membranes
Keratinization is the process of filling cells with keratin protein. This prevents them from functioning and transitions the skin and membranes into a hardened covering. Subsequently, keratinization of mucous membranes in the body decreases immune function of the epithelium. This process is a symptom of vitamin A deficiency.
6. Muscle Degeneration and Weakness
Depletion of muscles can be caused by thiamin or vitamin E deficiency. “Crazy Chick Disease” is typically characterized by a chicken unable to support her own head. The in ability to support their own head is due to muscle degeneration. This symptom is the result of deficient vitamin E in the diet.
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7. Bone Deformation and Weak Bones
Furthermore, vitamin A deficiency can cause bone deformation and weak bones. However, the three major nutrients associated with bone disorders are vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous.
So, lack of calcium and phosphorous or the incorrect ratio of calcium : phosphorous, results in a condition known as “Cage-layer Disease”. Cage-layer Disease occurs when chickens mobilize minerals from bone to produce egg shells. Additionally, chickens with this condition have weak, brittle bones. Their rib cage is especially fragile and likely to break.
8. Decreased Egg Production
Lack of vitamin D, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, or chloride is associated with lowered egg production.
9. Thin Egg Shells and Decreased Hatchability
Similarly, thin eggshells and decreased viability of the egg can be signs of vitamin D, folic acid, magnesium or manganese deficiency.
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10. Neurological Disorders
Pantothenic acid and riboflavin deficiencies are both associated with neurological disorders. “Curled Toe Paralysis” is a syndrome where lack of riboflavin in the diet affects peripheral nerves. Consequently, chicks to rest on their hocks and flex their toes due to paralysis of those muscles.
Conclusion
Many of the same signs are caused by different micronutrients. Nutrient deficiencies often occur in combination. As a result, it is difficult to weed out the specific nutrient deficiency from the symptoms. Therefore, the best way to avoid nutrition deficiency in poultry is to reference the Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, test your feed ingredients and formulate a well-balanced diet.
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