Abstract
Abstract Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a condition in which apparently healthy broiler chickens die suddenly. There are short convulsions and frantic wing-beating prior to death, and the weight of internal organs is the same as in healthy chickens. The exact etiology of SDS is unknown. Heart problems have been implicated as a potential cause of the disease in broiler chickens. Despite considerable research, effective methods of prevention are still being sought. Furthermore, the prophylactic measures often make production less profitable (reduced body weight gain resulting from restricted feeding) and prolong the growth period. It is necessary to continue research on SDS, in particular on stimulation of the cardiovascular system to reduce the susceptibility of broilers to sudden death syndrome under intensive production systems.
Highlights
Due to breeding progress over the last 50 years, the growth period required for broiler chickens to reach slaughter weights has been considerably shortened (Gous, 2010)
The results showed the elevation of lactate level and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase in the cardiac muscle of sudden death syndrome (SDS)-affected chickens
As reported by Karki (2011), SDS mortality in broiler chickens increases beyond 40 days of age and may average up to 9.6%, while restricted feeding and 8–10% lower dietary nutrient concentration significantly reduce mortality caused by SDS
Summary
Due to breeding progress over the last 50 years, the growth period required for broiler chickens to reach slaughter weights has been considerably shortened (Gous, 2010). In modern broiler chicken production the sudden death syndrome (SDS) may be one of the main causes for mortality at the end of the fattening period but starts already in the second week of life (Julian, 2005) and causes severe economic losses (Nain et al, 2007; Olkowski et al, 2008). Sudden death syndrome occurs in well fed and apparently healthy birds (Gallus gallus) and is characterized by short, wing-beating convulsions, while the weight of internal organs such as the heart, liver and lungs does not allow diagnosing the causes of death because it is the same as in healthy birds (Imaeda, 1999). Etiology and pathogenesis of SDS Many different factors contribute to the sudden death syndrome in broilers, including nutrition, genetic background, and environmental factors (Julian, 2005).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
