[Field experience with osteoporosis in broilers]

Osteoporosis is a major cause of economic losses in broilers. Examination shows enteritis, retardation of growth, poor feathering, rickets and crazy chick disease (encephalomalacia) in some cases. It is almost beyond doubt that the disease is infectious and that contamination may persist on a farm over a prolonged period. To produce all clinical features, the birds should be infected during the first days of life. The incidence of osteoporosis in successive flocks may be reduced by thorough cleansing and disinfection with a 10 per cent solution of commercial formalin. Treatment of affected flocks with antibiotics for 3-4 days plus administration of additional vitamins A, D3, E and K for 10-14 days will usually result in more rapid restoration of growth. Economic losses may be considerably reduced by combining thorough cleansing and disinfection with the treatment of affected flocks.