aneurysms causing sudded death in meat poultry

[uhuh555]

I talked with a Veterinarian poultry specialist at Michigan State University over the phonethis AM. He said he has examined 50+ small flocks this spring where the owners have reported sudden death in their meat birds that were less than 3 weeks old. He has examined over 125 chicks/poults shortly after death and many of them died of massive internal hemorrhage resulting from ruptured aneurysms, but many others he said died from after effects of dehydration. He further stated it was preventable if adequate amounts of water were available. These fast growing meat birds can’t go even one hour without water, when water is given after they have become dehydrated one should add electrolytes to the water, if none are available add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. This will lessen one’s looses due to dehydration.

 

[augustmomx2]

Great Info

I just had my first batch of meaties processed on Wednesday. I was completely shocked at the amount of water these things could drink

Everyone talks about food consumption, but the water amount just floored me.

 

[blueskylen]

That really makes sense as they eat so much food that they need huge quantities of water for proper digestion and elimination. dehydration would be a big strain on their systems.

my 60 meaties have been drinking between about 15 to 25 gallons of water a day for the last few weeks - they are to go to processing on Tuesday at 8 weeks. Sure makes a lot of work when you only have 1 - 5 gallon waterer!

 

[jaku]

Go State!!

 

[terri9630]

I use a automatic waterer made for horse stalls that holds about 2 cups of water at once. I put a few large rocks in it just in case one hops in so they can get back out easily. I have a 100 foot hose hooked to it so I have plenty of room to move the tractor and they have an unending supply.