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Related Experiment Videos

Rapid growth problems: ascites and skeletal deformities in broilers

R J Julian1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada. rjulian@ovcnet.uoguelph.ca

Poultry Science
|January 1, 1999
PubMed
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Genetic selection for rapid poultry growth increases feed efficiency but can cause mortality from cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues. Reducing feed intake or correcting metabolic imbalances may mitigate these growth-related diseases without slowing growth.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Genetics
  • Poultry Nutrition

Background:

  • Genetic selection has dramatically increased meat-type poultry growth rates and feed efficiency over 40 years.
  • Increased nutritional and physical density of feed encourages high nutrient intake, doubling growth rates.
  • This rapid growth, coupled with selection for high muscle-to-bone ratio, leads to significant mortality from diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between genetic selection for rapid growth and increased mortality in meat-type poultry.
  • To identify the specific diseases associated with rapid growth and high nutrient intake.
  • To explore potential strategies for mitigating these growth-related health issues.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on poultry genetics, nutrition, and disease.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of mortality causes in genetically selected meat-type poultry.
  • Comparison of health issues in poultry with those in other rapidly growing animal species.

    • Main Results:

    • Cardiovascular diseases (sudden death syndrome, ascites, cardiomyopathy) and musculoskeletal defects (lameness, bone deformities) are prevalent in rapidly growing poultry.
    • Similar growth-related issues are observed in other species not selected for rapid growth, suggesting a broader biological response.
    • Reducing feed intake can decrease growth-related diseases without impacting final body weight.

    Conclusions:

    • Rapid growth and high nutrient intake, driven by genetic selection, are primary contributors to significant mortality and health problems in meat-type poultry.
    • Metabolic imbalances induced by high nutrient intake, rather than rapid growth alone, may be the pathogenic mechanism for some conditions.
    • Strategies like feed restriction or correcting metabolic imbalances show promise in reducing disease incidence without compromising growth performance.