Nutritional and managemental control of ascites syndrome in poultry

Abstract

Ascites or pulmonary hypertension is a multifactorial syndrome, caused by interactions among genetic,
environmental, dietary and physiological factors. Forced selection to achieve faster growing chickens has
improved genetic potential; but, due to some anatomical and physiological limitations, the same improved
potential could have adverse effects on bird health. Impaired oxygen supply to sustain a continuous fast
growth rate may increase the risk for a higher incidence of ascites syndrome. The impaired oxygen supply
will stimulate the development of many compensatory mechanisms in cardiopulmonary systems, which,
in turn, bring ascites syndrome. Management practices to provide thermoneutral environment, limit
growth rate (such as: feed restriction, nutrient density and diet form), use of antioxidants and omega three
fatty acids normalize red blood cell structure and function to match the demand of oxygen requirement,
which in turn can reduce the chance of ascites.