THE EFFECTS OF POOR VENTILATION, LOW-TEMPERATURES, TYPE OF FEED AND SEX OF BIRD ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASCITES IN BROILERS - PRODUCTION PARAMETERS

The effects of type of feed, ambient temperature and ventilation on ascites were investigated on a fast-growing strain of broiler with regard to production parameters. It was found that poor ventilation had no effect on the incidence of ascites. Pelleted feed, when compared with the same feed in a mash form, induced a higher incidence of mortality with ascites. Of all these factors, exposure to cold temperatures was the most potent inducer of ascites. For the short-term control of the ascites syndrome, these aspects of husbandry can be changed by the grower to minimalize losses.