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Effect of oxygen level on ascites incidence and performance in broiler chicks
A Beker1, S L Vanhooser, R G Teeter
1Animal Science Department, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, USA.
Abstract:
An experiment was conducted using male Cobb x Cobb broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of two oxygen levels on the incidence of ascites, performance, and blood chemistry. Ascites occurred in the 13.6% oxygen groups on the fifth day of the experiment. Body weights and survivability were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in chicks maintained at the low oxygen level than in controls (20.6% oxygen). Hematocrits were significantly higher only in chicks with ascites at the 13.6% oxygen level. Hemoglobin was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in chicks with ascites at 13.6% oxygen than in chickens at 20.6% oxygen. Lactate dehydrogenase values were significantly higher in non-ascitic chicks maintained at 13.6% oxygen and in chicks with ascites at 20.6% oxygen than in non-ascitic chicks 20.6% oxygen.