Prevalence and Predisposing Factors in Spontaneous Cases of Necrotic Enteritis in Cage Reared Commercial Layer Chicken
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Date
2018
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Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by C. perfringens is one of the economically important disease in broiler
chicken. Nowadays frequent outbreak were noticed in commercial layer flocks maintained in raised cage system and
causing mortality and decreased egg production. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and
predisposing factors associated with spontaneous cases of necrotic enteritis in cage reared commercial layer chicken. A
total of 1000 white leghorn carcasses, above 20 weeks (wk) age from 100 flocks with gastrointestinal tract disorders
were screened for the presence of necrotic enteritis lesions and C. perfringens out of which 28 flocks (28%) showed
lesions and organism. All the 28 isolates were identified as alpha toxin producing strains by PCR technique. Affected
flocks showed depression, soiling of vent with brownish fecal materials and sudden death. Necropsy revealed dilated
intestine and Turkish towel appearance of mucosa due to necrosis caused by alpha toxin of C. perfringens. Necrotic
enteritis was recorded as single (13 %) and combined (15%) infection with coccidiosis (11%), worm infestation (2%)
and Newcastle disease (2%). Highest prevalence was noticed in the age group of 21-30 wk (42.86%) and Northeast
monsoon season (60.71%). Drop in egg production and mortality in the affected flocks was 3.0 to 10 and 2. 72 to
3.15 % respectively. Incidence of disease was more in flocks which used animal protein as a source of feed ingredient.
Description
TNV_AAVS_2018_6(3)113-120
Keywords
Veterinary Science