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Monensin toxicity in turkey breeder hens
M D Ficken1, D P Wages, E Gonder
1Department of Food Animal and Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina University, Raleigh 27606.
Avian Diseases
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Accidental monensin (a coccidiostat) overdose in turkey breeder hens caused high mortality, with severe clinical signs and muscle damage. This ionophore toxicity highlights the critical need for precise feed formulation in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Poultry Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Monensin is a widely used ionophore coccidiostat in poultry production.
- Accidental overconsumption of feed additives can lead to toxicosis in livestock.
- Turkey breeder hens have specific nutritional requirements and are sensitive to feed contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical, pathological, and biochemical findings in turkey breeder hens following accidental monensin overfeeding.
- To determine the mortality rates and identify the toxic effects of monensin in a commercial flock setting.
- To provide insights into the diagnosis and management of ionophore toxicosis in poultry.
Main Methods:
- Two flocks of turkey breeder hens were accidentally fed feed containing 280 g/ton of monensin.
- Clinical signs, mortality rates, gross necropsy findings, and microscopic lesions were recorded.
- Serum biochemical parameters including electrolytes, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mortality reached 76% in one flock and 18% in the other.
- Clinical signs included sudden death, respiratory distress, tremors, and posterior paresis.
- Necropsy revealed minimal gross lesions, but microscopy showed myofiber degeneration/necrosis in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
- Elevated serum phosphorus, LDH, and CK, with decreased potassium, chloride, and calcium were observed.
Conclusions:
- Accidental monensin overdose can cause severe mortality and significant muscle damage in turkey breeder hens.
- The lack of gross lesions emphasizes the importance of microscopic examination and clinical pathology in diagnosing ionophore toxicosis.
- Strict quality control in feed manufacturing is essential to prevent such toxic events in poultry flocks.