Many poultry farmers encounter diarrhea in egg-laying chickens, which has become one of the common diseases in poultry. Diarrhea not only affects the quality of eggshells and egg production rate but also reduces feed conversion efficiency and shortens the egg-laying cycle. Below, we will discuss the causes and prevention measures for diarrhea in egg-laying chickens.
Causes of Diarrhea in Egg-laying Chickens
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Feed Factors: Some chicken farmers increase the salt content in the daily diet of egg-laying chickens to improve palatability, supplement body salt, and enhance appetite. The high salt content in the feed or excessive addition of magnesium in stone powder and calcium dihydrogen phosphate in the feed can cause thin feces.
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Stress Factors: Sudden changes in climate, sudden changes in feed, environmental pollution, cage changes, noise, and changes in feeding staff can stimulate chickens and cause diarrhea.
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Medication Factors: Long-term and excessive use of drugs to prevent diseases increases the cost of chicken farming, leads to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, disrupts the normal balance in the chicken's body, and results in persistent diarrhea due to severe dual infections.
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Rearing Environment: Factors such as low temperature, dark and humid environment, high stocking density, poor hygiene, and poor ventilation can lead to insufficient oxygen intake by the body, causing congestion and organ dysfunction, which can trigger diarrhea.
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Imbalance of Nutrition: Excessive protein and insufficient essential amino acids such as lysine, as well as imbalance or deficiency of trace elements, can lead to metabolic disorders, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Prevention and Treatment Measures for Diarrhea in Egg-laying Chickens
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For non-infectious feed-source diarrhea in first-time laying hens: Adjust the feed formula, switch ingredients, and choose suitable amounts of high-quality stone powder, soybean meal, wheat bran, and shell powder. Improve the digestive function of the body.
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Appropriately add vitamins to enhance the body's nutrition and disease resistance or accelerate the repair of damaged intestinal mucosa. Reduce water intake appropriately during hot weather and provide suitable water sources, reducing one-third of the daily water intake.
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To prevent fungal and bacterial infections leading to intestinal disease and immune suppression, long-term use of some targeted additives in feed is recommended.
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To prevent secondary infections, use antibacterial drugs to cleanse the intestines.
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For bacterial infections or mixed infections of viruses and bacteria, comprehensive treatment using both Chinese and Western medicine is advised. Increase the dosage of various vitamins, promptly repair damaged intestinal mucosa, promote and enhance the body's ability to resist diseases, and restore and improve productivity.
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For poisoning-induced diarrhea, choose appropriate drugs for detoxification based on the type of poisoning.
This is an overview of the causes and prevention measures for diarrhea in egg-laying chickens. Diarrhea in egg-laying chickens can occur throughout the entire farming cycle. Farmers should use antibiotics rationally and strengthen farming management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I prevent diarrhea in egg-laying chickens?
To prevent diarrhea in egg-laying chickens, ensure a balanced diet, maintain proper hygiene in the rearing environment, and monitor stress factors such as sudden changes in climate or feed.
2. Can diarrhea in egg-laying chickens be contagious?
Diarrhea in egg-laying chickens can be contagious if caused by infectious agents. It is essential to isolate infected birds and implement proper sanitation measures to prevent the spread of disease.
3. What should I do if I suspect my chickens have diarrhea?
If you suspect your chickens have diarrhea, observe their feces and behavior closely. Consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
4. Are there any natural remedies for treating diarrhea in chickens?
Some natural remedies, such as probiotics or herbal supplements, may help support gut health in chickens. However, it's essential to consult with a poultry health expert before using any natural remedies.
5. How can I improve the overall health of my egg-laying flock?
To improve the overall health of your egg-laying flock, focus on providing a balanced diet, maintaining a clean environment, and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases.
