Goiter is an important part of the digestive system of any poultry. It is there that food is delayed, in order to later enter the chicken's glandular stomach.
If the goiter does not function properly, then the whole digestive system of the bird and its general condition begins to suffer.
Goitre inflammation is a disease that occurs in this organ due to stagnation of the feed. Gradually, it begins to decay, which quickly leads to dysbiosis and inflammation of this organ.
In general, this disease is not dangerous, but in especially neglected cases, even it can cause the death of individual weakened birds, since the feed does not normally enter the chicken's digestive system.
What is the inflammation of goiter in birds?
All breeds of chickens are susceptible to this disease if they are kept in the wrong conditions and receive an excessive amount of food, which lacks certain beneficial microelements and vitamins.
And in a herd, only some birds can get sick, and the rest will remain completely healthy.
This disease is known to farmers since chickens began to be kept in large quantities on special farms.
It happens that feed particles or large dry stalks get stuck in the goiter, which causes inflammation or blockage, which is manifested by the same symptoms.
At first, inflammation of goiter does not represent a danger to healthy and adult birds.. Even an ordinary farmer without veterinary education can help a bird at the very beginning of the disease.
However, then the risk to the life of the bird increases, as it does not receive the required amount of feed. Because of this, her body is depleted, which in the end can lead to death.
Fortunately, this disease is not contagious and is manifested only in some chickens in the herd; therefore, it is enough for a poultry breeder to conduct regular livestock inspections in order to identify the diseased individuals in time.
Causes of disease
Goitre inflammation can manifest in birds for several common reasons. First of all, goiter may be inflamed due to dirty water in the drinkers.
If the water does not change in them for a long time, algae and pathogens are gradually infused into it, which in themselves can cause inflammation and other unpleasant diseases. Regular water changes can help prevent this disease.
Secondly, the cause of the inflamed goiter becomes improper feeding of birds. Spoiled feed containing large elements can clog the goiter, where microorganisms will multiply rapidly afterwards. The products of their vital activity most often cause inflammation.
Also, the state of the goiter may be affected by too long breaks between feeding. Too hungry chickens eagerly peck food, completely clogging goiter. Due to overcrowding with grain, it swells up and stops flowing further into the stomach.
Sometimes the cause of an inflamed goiter is a lack of vitamin A. It must always be present in compound feeds. If it is not enough, then it must be added artificially.
Course and symptoms
Immediately after the onset of inflammation, the hen ceases to run, gradually loses interest in food and tries not to eat. However, she refuses to drink.
The behavior of the sick bird also changes completely. She tries to stay away from the whole herd.
Most of the time lies in one place or moves slowly. The sick hen does not crawl in the ground and does not search for food while walking.
In order to make sure that the bird is sick, it can be picked up. Immediately feel unpleasant smell from the mouth. The goiter itself increases significantly and when feeling something resembles a balloon with a liquid.
Due to the constant rejection of food and water, the chicken loses weight, it loses strength and is gradually depleted. It is these symptoms that most often cause the death of the bird. In itself, inflammation never leads to a fatal outcome.
Unfortunately, exhaustion is very difficult to notice, as the muscles of chickens are hidden under thick plumage. When farmers begin to notice that their bird is sick, it becomes too late and the chicken is almost impossible to save.
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Diagnostics
The diagnosis of goiter inflammation is made after inspection of the bird. During the examination of a sick hen, an unpleasant breath is detected.
Palpation of goiter feels that it is full and in its form resembles a small ball. Also monitors the behavior of the bird. Recorded her sluggish movement in the yard, unwillingness to eat.
Sometimes a sample of the feed is taken to determine the exact cause of the goiter inflammation.. Thus, in the laboratory is determined by the degree of freshness, as well as the presence of pathogens.
Also, food is always checked for the presence of vitamin A. If there is a deficiency, then a sick bird is diagnosed with an inflammation of goiter.
Treatment
For the treatment of goiter inflammation, it is necessary at least 2 times a day to help the hen free the goiter from food debris.
To do this, the bird is taken in hand, tightly pressing the wings to the body. With the right hand, the goiter is groped, and then it is gently massaged towards the head.
At the same time the bird should be kept almost vertically upside down so that the contents of the goiter would work well. Literally in a few seconds it will be completely empty.
After emptying the goiter, an antibiotic should be injected into the chicken's beak.. For these purposes, a large syringe without a game is used. As a rule, veterinarians prescribe Baitril, which is injected into the chicken's throat 2 times a day during the week. During the introduction of the antibiotic it must be remembered that it should fall clearly into the throat of the bird, and not into the respiratory tract.
A few hours after taking the antibiotic, a few bio-yogurt syringes should be injected into the chicken. It will help the liver of the bird to cope with large doses of medication and not fail. Also, yogurt helps to restore normal microflora in the goiter in poultry.
During treatment, the sick bird should not receive the usual feed.. It should be fed with a softer food: mashed potatoes, chopped cereal, chopped boiled eggs. The resulting food can be further wetted in yogurt and vegetable oil.
Prevention
It is best to keep chickens in a chicken coop with a small yard for walking.
On the ground, the birds themselves will find small stones that will help push through the food from the goiter to the stomach. While keeping chickens in a closed henhouse, chopped gravel and shell rock should be added to food as a complementary food.
Raw apple cider vinegar can be added to bird water.. It helps maintain a healthy microflora in the goiter, which prevents the occurrence of inflammation. It is enough to add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to 1 liter of water.
Do not give the hens grass with long stems, as they can cause a blockage of goiter. If the grass is too long, it should be chopped and mixed with leftover pasta, bread and rice. Carbohydrate food helps improve digestion and pushes another feed from the goiter to the stomach.
Conclusion
Improper nutrition and maintenance of chickens sooner or later affects their health.
Of course, the bird will not be able to die from inflammation, but its appetite and egg production will decrease, which will directly affect the income of the poultry farm. That is why it is necessary to conduct a regular check of the livestock and monitor the quality of the feed that birds receive.
