why and how can medicated feeds keep a poult alive in the first 2 weeks of their life compared to non medicated feeds ??
From MSU extension service
"Poultry
Medicated chicken feeds
Poultry feeds are available with several types of medications for preventing or treating diseases. Coccidiostats and/or antibiotics are the two most common medications added to feeds.
Coccidiosis is hard to control by sanitation practices alone. It is best prevented by feeding a coccidiostat, which is a drug added to feed at low levels and fed continuously to prevent coccidiosis. Mature chickens develop a resistance to coccidiosis if allowed to contract a mild infection of the disease."
What does ACV do in the water? "Apple cider vinegar destroys microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and others, and prevents poisons from reaching the rest of the systems of the body. It has been proven to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacilli, Pseudomonas, and Candida.
The acid nature of vinegar makes the digestive tract environment unpleasant for germs and fungus."
They both do the same thing. Using one or the other doesn't make a person lazy.
Do most of you know what the meds are even for ??
Coccidiosis in Chickens
"The most common species are Eimeria tenella, which causes the cecal or bloody type of coccidiosis, E. necatrix, which causes bloody intestinal coccidiosis, and E. acervulina and E. maxima, which cause chronic intestinal coccidiosis
Eimeria tenelia
This parasite develops in the cells of the ceca, which are the two blind sacs near the end of the intestine. It is one of the most pathogenic (disease producing) coccidia to infect chickens. This acute infection occurs most commonly in young chicks. Infections may be characterized by the presence of blood in the droppings and by high morbidity and mortality.
E. necatrix
E. necatrix develops in the small intestine (early stages) and later in the cecum (sexual stages). Like E. tenella, it develops within deeper tissues of the small intestine and is a major pathogen of poultry.
E. acervulina and E. maxima
Both species develop in epithelial cells, primarily in the upper part of the small intestine. They cause subclinical coccidiosis associated with marked weight loss. "
Several factors influence the severity of infection. Some of these include the following:
The number of oocysts eaten. Generally, an increase in the number of oocysts eaten is accompanied by an increase in the severity of the disease.
Strain of coccidia. Different strains of a species may vary in pathogenicity.
Environmental factors affecting the survival of the oocysts.
Site of development within the host. Coccidia that develop superficially are less pathogenic than those that develop deeper.
Age of the bird. Young birds are generally more susceptible than older ones.
Nutritional status of the host. Poorly fed birds are more susceptible.
Coccidiosis in chickens is generally classified as either intestinal or cecal. Most serious cases of intestinal coccidiosis are caused by E. necatrix. Cecal coccidiosis is due to E. tenella.
Coccidiosis occurs most frequently in young birds. Old birds are generally immune as a result of prior infection. Severe damage to the ceca and small intestine accompany the development of the coccidia. Broilers and layers are more commonly infected, but broiler breeders and turkey and pheasant poults are also affected.
Coccidiosis generally occurs more frequently during warmer (May to September) than colder months (October to April) of the year. E. acervulina and E. maxima develop in epithelial cells within the small intestine and generally cause chronic intestinal coccidiosis.
Coccidiosis caused by E. tenella first becomes noticeable at about three days after infection. Chickens droop, stop feeding, huddle together, and by the fourth day, blood begins to appear in the droppings. The greatest amount of blood appears by day five or six, and by the eighth or ninth day, the bird is either dead or on the way to recovery. Mortality is highest between the fourth and sixth days. Death may occur unexpectedly, owing to excessive blood loss. Birds that recover may develop a chronic illness as a result of a persistent cecal core. However, the core usually detaches itself by eight to ten days and is shed in the droppings.
Which ever methods you use to raise your birds are totaly up to you and using one or any of the others doesn't make you "lazy" or a bad poultry person. Ask questions, do some research and most important use what works for you and your birds.
Steve in NC
