Broiler Units Research Articles

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Production in Uttar Pradesh

Poultry farming is an important income-generating activity for farmers. The present study looked into the costs and returns of broiler poultry farming in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data collected from 60 broiler units in the district was used for analysis. The overall average cost of production was around `138.46 per bird and `111.41 per kg live weight. The cost of production was highest for small farms and lowest for large farms. Chick and feed costs together accounted for more than 75 per cent of the total cost of production. The net return realized per kilogramme of broiler chicken was `11.34, 15.05, and 17.14 in small, medium, and large farms, respectively, with an overall average of `13.27. The overall average value of NPK content of poultry faecal matter produced in the farms in a year was `12241.88. Only a few (11.67 per cent) farmers were using poultry waste for compost making. Many (41.67 per cent) of them were disposing of it as waste. The study stressed the need for interventions to reduce chick and feed costs, training on scientific poultry farming, and proper management of poultry waste. Keywords: Broiler poultry, costs, returns, waste disposal. JEL Codes: D20, Q10, Q12.

Supplementation of Azolla microphylla Flour in Broiler Feed Increases Antibody Titers against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease

This study aimed to determine the level of protection provided by supplementation of Azolla microphylla flour in broiler feed against the antibody titers profile of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease. The research was conducted over two months (July-August 2021) at the broiler unit of the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments and five replications. Each replication consisted of five Cobb CP707 strain broilers, resulting in 100 broilers. Azolla microphylla flour supplementation in the feed was administered at different doses: P0=100% commercial feed (control); P1=97.5% commercial feed + 2.5% Azolla microphylla flour; P2=95% commercial feed + 5% Azolla microphylla flour; P3=92.5% commercial feed + 7.5% Azolla microphylla flour. Serum samples were collected from 30-day-old broilers, with one sample taken from each replication, totalling 20 samples. The samples were analyzed for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease antibody titers at AGRILab Vaksindo Laboratory using the Hemagglutination Inhibition test. Each treatment's antibody titer data for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease were tabulated and presented in histograms to facilitate descriptive analysis. Antibody titers (log2 X) of Avian Influenza 4.00±0.71 and Newcastle Disease 4.60±2.07 from P2 were included in the protection level based on the WOAH Standard. The study concluded that supplementing 5% Azolla microphylla flour in broiler feed increases the antibody titers against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease to protective levels.

Recurring outbreaks by the same Escherichia coli ST10 clone in a broiler unit during 18\xa0months

The current investigation aimed at characterizing the cause of multiple disease outbreaks in the same broiler production unit during a course of 18 months. The outbreaks had mortality rates of up to 22%. Escherichia coli was diagnosed as the responsible agent. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis showed that all chicken isolates had identical band patterns. Core genome comparisons demonstrated that the 36 chicken isolates differed with maximum of nine nucleotides indicating that the same E. coli clone was responsible for all seven disease outbreaks despite adherence to the all-in-all production principle and rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Quantification of Eimeria necatrix, E. acervulina and E. maxima genomes in commercial chicken farms by quantitative real time PCR.

Advent of quantitative polymerase chain reaction and its variants have enabled identification and quantification of seven known Eimeria species of poultry in biological samples. Attempts were made in the present study to identify and quantify three important pathogenic Eimeria species responsible for intestinal coccidiosis in domestic farmed chicken, E. necatrix, E. acervulina and E. maxima in droppings collected from thirty one poultry farms of North Indian states of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The study included broiler, layer and backyard rearing units. Overall occurrence of E. necatrix, E. maxima and E. acervulina was 64.5%. E. necatrix was detected in 55% (11/20) broiler farms, 66.7% (4/6) layer farms and 100% (5/5) backyard rearing units studied. Thus, occurrence of E. necatrix was detected in 64.5% (20/31) farms studied. E. maxima and E. acervulina were detected in droppings of 65% (13/20) broiler farms, 66.7% (4/6) layer farms and 60% (3/5) back yard rearing units. Genome counts of each Eimeria species revealed maximum parasite load of E. necatrix followed by E. acervulina in broiler farms and least in layer farms. The mean parasite load (genome) copies for these parasite species were intermediate for backyard units while E. maxima had the lowest number of genome copies in droppings. Mean E. maxima counts were highest in boiler farms, while it was similar for layer and back yard units. However, statistically no significant differences were observed for parasite load existing either between the broiler, layer or back yard units or between the genome counts of E. necatrix, E. acervulina or E. maxima.

Capital Investment Structure of Broiler Production Units in Kathua District of J&K State

The present paper entitled “Capital Investment Structure of Broiler Production Units in Kathua District of J&K State” was carried out on the basis of primary data collected through pre-tested schedule-cum-questionnaire with personal interview method. For purpose of the study, three groups of broilers units were selected purposely and classified as per bird size. Group I included birds below 2000 in numbers, group II included birds 2001–5000 in numbers and group III included birds 5001 & above in numbers. 15 broiler units were selected from each group, thus a total of 45 broiler units were studied. Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir was selected purposively as the district has highest numbers of broiler production units.

On Farm Evaluation of a Novel Mechanical Cervical Dislocation Device for Poultry.

Simple SummaryLarge numbers of poultry are killed on farm (usually because they are ill or injured) and we have a responsibility to ensure that the methods used have minimal welfare impact. The traditional method of manual cervical dislocation (i.e., “necking” by hand), has been subject to welfare concerns and has recently been restricted by law in Europe, in terms of the number of birds that can be killed with this method per day. Alternative methods need to be developed and these must be humane, practical and reliable in commercial settings. We evaluated the performance and reliability of a novel mechanical cervical dislocation device in comparison with the traditional manual method. We tested the performance of multiple users of each method in commercial laying hen and broiler farm settings. The novel mechanical method was outperformed by the traditional manual method, and there were some issues with training, dependent on the stockworkers’ technique and experience. The results show that while the novel method has the potential to improve welfare, it requires further refinement and training optimization in order to provide a viable alternative to manual cervical dislocation across the poultry industry.Urgent development of alternative on-farm killing methods for poultry is required following the number restrictions placed on the use of traditional manual cervical dislocation by European Legislation (EU 1099/2009). Alternatives must be proven to be humane and, crucially, practical in commercial settings with multiple users. We assessed the performance and reliability of a novel mechanical cervical dislocation device (NMCD) compared to the traditional manual cervical dislocation (MCD) method. NMCD was based on a novel device consisting of a thin supportive glove and two moveable metal finger inserts designed to aid the twisting motion of cervical dislocation. We employed a 2 × 2 factorial design, with a total of eight stockworkers from broiler and layer units (four per farm) each killing 70 birds per method. A successful kill performance was defined as immediate absence of rhythmic breathing and nictitating membrane reflex; a detectable gap in the vertebrae and only one kill attempt (i.e., one stretch and twist motion). The mean stockworker kill performance was significantly higher for MCD (98.4 ± 0.5%) compared to NMCD (81.6 ± 1.8%). However, the MCD technique normally used by the stockworkers (based previous in-house training received) affected the performance of NMCD and was confounded by unit type (broilers), with the majority of broiler stockworkers trained in a non-standard technique, making adaption to the NMCD more difficult. The consistency of trauma induced by the killing methods (based on several post-mortem parameters) was higher with NMCD demonstrated by “gold standard” trauma achieved in 30.2% of birds, compared to 11.4% for MCD (e.g., dislocation higher up the cervical region of the spine i.e., between vertebrae C0–C1, ≥1 carotid arteries severed), suggesting it has the potential to improve welfare at killing. However, the results also suggest that the NMCD method requires further refinement and training optimization in order for it to be acceptable as an alternative across poultry industry, irrespective of previous MCD technique and training.

Persistence of Highly Pathogenic and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Footbaths and Poultry Manure.

A questionnaire was designed in order to gather information about bedding material and footbath preparation and maintenance in different productive units across the state of California.This information was used to plan two experiments. In the first experiment, we tested the effectiveness of footbaths in inactivating highly pathogenic (HP) and low pathogenic (LP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs) on rubber boots. Surprisingly, quaternary ammonia- and quaternary ammonia + glutaraldehyde-based footbaths were not able to eliminate live HPAIV (H5N8) and LPAIV (H6N2) particles on boots, while a chlorine-based granulated disinfectant was able to destroy the virus at contact. These results demonstrated the potential of AIV, particularly the HPAIV isolate, to persist even if exposed to disinfecting footbaths, and suggest that footbaths, as a single tool, are not capable of preventing pathogen introduction into commercial flocks. In the second experiment, we investigated the persistence of HPAIV (H5N8) and LPAIV (H6N2) in bedding material and feces obtained from turkey, broiler, and egg-layer commercial productive units. Samples were collected at different times after spiking the bedding materials and feces. Results showed that HPAIV (H5N8) was more persistent than LPAIV (H6N2) in layer feces and bedding material obtained from commercial broilers and turkeys. Live HPAIV particles persisted 96 hr, the last time point measured, in layer feces and less than 60 hr in broiler and turkey bedding. In contrast, LPAIV persisted less than 24 hr after being spiked in all the different substrates. Further research in biosecurity practices such as footbath preparation and maintenance and better understanding of the mechanism of the increased persistence of AIV is warranted in order to identify effective litter treatments that destroy live virus in bedding material.

Impact of direct and indirect heating systems in broiler units on environmental conditions and flock performance

This study compared the impact of three indirect heating systems to direct gas flame heaters on a selection of flock performance and environmental indicators in commercial broiler units. No statistically significant differences (P≥0.05) were found in flock mortality rates, bird weight, water consumption, stress response, carbon dioxide, ammonia, temperature, relative humidity, litter quality, within-flock Campylobacter levels or mean Campylobacter counts when flock data from any of the three indirect heating systems were compared to flocks reared in houses with direct heating systems. Differences in litter quality were observed between upper and lower litter layers in all houses, regardless of heating type, which may have implications for bird health and welfare. Carbon dioxide concentrations in houses with direct heating systems were significantly higher than those in houses with indirect heating systems during the first 10 days of bird life (P≤0.05). This was due to the increased use of heating systems during this period of the flock cycle. Differences in CO2 concentrations had no effect on flock performance, possibly due to the fact that concentrations did not exceed known safe levels. A statistically significant increase in stress response was observed in birds as a result of partial depopulation (thinning) within houses, irrespective of heating system type used (P≤0.05). Stress associated with thinning may have consequences for bird welfare and food safety. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that indirect heating systems do not appear to negatively impact on flock performance, stress response, within-flock Campylobacter levels or mean Campylobacter counts and do not appear to significantly alter environmental conditions within broiler houses when compared to houses equipped with direct heating systems. Indirect systems are a viable alternative for heating broiler houses in terms of flock performance, bird welfare and food safety.

Economics production of Broiler in Yavatmal district

Study titled “Economic of production and Marketing of broiler in Yavatmal district” was conducted in Yavatmal district, twenty-four broiler units of different capacities were selected. Data used was pertaining to period 2014 to 2015. It was found that annual total cost during the year i.e. total fixed cost + total variable cost was Rs.182687.41 Rs.346660.5 and Rs.473841.23 for small, medium and large producers, respectively. Gross income from per broiler production was observed Rs.141.63, 142.66 and 142.91 for small, medium and large producers, respectively. Input-output ratio estimated over variable cost was 1.79, 2.10, 1.89 and over total cost estimated 1.65, 1.70 and 1.76 for small, medium and large unit, respectively. Average per kg price received by producer during year was calculated to Rs.140.11, 140.68, 141.26 for small, medium and large, respectively.

Broiler production in an urban and peri-urban area of Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTBroiler chicken production is an important livelihood option for urban households in Zimbabwe. A study was carried out to document the technical, demographic and socio-economic parameters characterising the production of broilers in an urban area of Zimbabwe. Findings showed that producers have quite diverse livelihoods and broiler production is not restricted to a survival strategy for the urban poor with no livelihood alternatives, but mostly involved the more privileged. Access to start-up capital and property ownership were pre-requisites for the business. Broiler units were small-scale, informal, backyard businesses dominated by women. Flock sizes averaged 398 (range 25–3500) birds per cycle. However, 79% of the producers kept at most 200 birds per cycle. The mean stocking density was 9.5 birds/m2 and reported mortality averaged 7.4%. Respondents have ad hoc marketing arrangements, and face constraints with regard to lack of sectoral support, shortage of capital, prohibitive council by-laws, market access and disease. Poultry production is therefore an important livelihood and business option in the urban and peri-urban area studied.

Constraints in adoption of broiler and egger unit as an enterprise in Alappuzha district, Kerala

A study was conducted to assess the constraints encountered by the entrepreneurs in establishing broiler and egger nursery units in Alappuzha district. Ninety six participants of the vocational training programmes on “Broiler farming and egger nursery” conducted by KVK-Alappuzha during 2010–2015 in 6 batches were surveyed for the purpose. Out of the 96 respondents, 22 had started the units, 3 discontinued and 19 units are running successfully. Gramapriya, Gramalakshmi and Gramasree were the major breeds adopted in egger nursery units and the breed Vencobb in broiler units. It was found that only full time poultry farmers could sustain the units. A minimum land holding size of 15 cents was found to be essential to establish the units. Majority of the adopters had reared a flock size of 1000 birds per batch for more than two years. The major constraints encountered in egger nursery were, increased feed cost (mean Garretscore of 74.8), nonavailability of quality chicks in time (69.6), and disease incidence during the monsoon (58.3); where as in broiler farming those were high feed cost (74.8), variation in market prices (72.2), and non-availability of chicks at time (63.5). Constraints faced by the trainees under non adopter category were lack of sufficient space (66.8), capital (64.6), and financial and functional support to start the venture.

Economics of Small Broiler Units in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir State

The economic analysis of small broiler units was carried out in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. The majority of broiler farms were existed in and around Jammu city of Jammu district. The cost and returns were calculated by categorizing broiler farms into three sizes; less than 500 birds, 501–1000 birds and more than 1000 birds. The data were collected from 60 broiler producers, 20 from each category during the year 2013–2014. The cost of production, mortality rates and returns from broiler production were estimated in different categories of broiler farms under study. The cost of chicks constituted the highest item of variable cost in all categories of farms i.e. 40.47% which was followed by cost of feed (37.19%), cost of medicine, vaccination and veterinary fee (11.78%), cost of labour (5.49%), miscellaneous cost (2.71%), cost of flooring material (1.35%), cost of electricity (0.74%) and cost of fumigation (0.27%). The overall gross income in all the broiler farms was 12705.08, whereas net income was Rs. 4139.72. The overall benefit-cost ratio was 1.48. The analysis of benefit-cost ratio for 100 chicks signifies that large broiler farms were more profitable than the small farms due to the optimum utilization of both fixed and variable inputs involved in the broiler production. The ratios of Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) were positive and more than unity for chicks, human labour and vaccine, drugs and veterinary fee i.e. 1.4768, 1.3934 and 5.3531 respectively, indicating the under-utilization of these resources, whereas for feeds, the ratio although came positive but it was less than unity i.e. 0.5779, indicating that the resource was over-utilized.

Campylobacter growth rates in four different matrices: broiler caecal material, live birds, Bolton broth, and brain heart infusion broth

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to characterise Campylobacter growth in enrichment broths (Bolton broth, brain heart infusion broth), caecal material (in vitro), and in the naturally infected live broilers (in vivo) in terms of mean lag periods and generation times as well as maximum growth rates and population (cell concentration) achieved.MethodsBolton and brain heart infusion broths and recovered caecal material were inoculated with 10 poultry strains of Campylobacter (eight Campylobacter jejuni and two Campylobacter coli), incubated under microaerobic conditions, and Campylobacter concentrations determined periodically using the ISO 10272:2006 method. Caeca from 10 flocks, infected at first thinning, were used to characterise Campylobacter growth in the live birds. Mean generation times (G) (early lag to exponential phase) were calculated using the formula: G=t/3.3 logb/B. Mean lag times and µmax were calculated using the Micro Fit© Software (Version 1.0, Institute of Food Research). Statistical comparison was performed using GENSTAT ver. 14.1 (VSN International Ltd., Hemel, Hempstead, UK).ResultsThe mean lag periods in Bolton broth, brain heart infusion broth, caecal material, and in the live bird were estimated to be 6.6, 6.7, 12.6, and 31.3 h, respectively. The corresponding mean generation times were 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 6.7 h, respectively; maximum growth rates were 0.7, 0.8, 0.4, and 2 generations h−1 and the maximum populations obtained in each matrix were 9.6, 9.9, 7.8, and 7.4 log10 CFU/g, respectively.ConclusionThis study provides data on the growth of Campylobacter in a range of laboratory media, caecal contents, and in broilers which may be used to develop predictive models and/or inform science-based control strategies such as the maximum time between flock testing and slaughter, logistical slaughter, and single-stage depopulation of broiler units.

Methodology to determine the value of a poultry farm

Much uncertainty exists about the most useful method to value a poultry farm. The purpose of the research is to determine the method of valuation that is the most appropriate and reliable for the valuation of a broiler farm. A sample of 15 out of the 196 contract broiler farm valuations was selected in the Mpumalanga and North West provinces in South Africa. The size of the broiler houses was at least 1 000 m2. Broiler units with a minimum of four houses were taken into account. Data was gathered by means of assessments of previous valuations as well as physical valuations done in the field and analysed statistically. Figures were tested for normality; differences between the overall means were determined by the analysis of variance using the ANOVA test; the correlation coefficients between the two different methods and the dependable variable were determined; and regression analysis was fitted. The differences in the coefficient of variance between the two sets of data used indicate that the cost approach has a smaller variation around the mean. The income approach, on the other hand, indicates a more realistic approach, because the basis is the net margin and not a norm for replacement and depreciation. Although differences do exist, a strong correlation exists between the two methods.

Socioeconomic Factors Influencing the Choice of type of Broiler Enterprise among Poultry Farmers in Delta State Nigeria

This paper specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the broiler farmers that influence the choice of type of broiler enterprise and as well determined the output of poultry farmers in the study area. This is with a view to improving broiler production in Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting broiler farmers for the study. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed for the study but 76 copies of questionnaire, comprising 35 Brood-and-sell farmers and 41 Brood-and-finish farmers were utilized for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, multiple linear regressions and the logit model. Findings revealed that while it cost N49,320.00 (N43,200.00 variable cost and N6,120.00 fixed cost) to raise a 500 broiler unit to four weeks for those practicing Brood-and-sell, it took N410,070.00 (N394,870.00 variable cost and N15,200.00 fixed cost) to raise same unit of 500 broilers to maturity at 10 weeks for the Brood-and-finish enterprise. Return on Investment (RI) for Brood-and-Sell broiler enterprise was 0.62 while that of Brood-and-finish Broiler enterprise was 0.58. This indicates that a one naira investment in Brood-and-Sell enterprise realized a profit of 62k while that of Brood-and-finish enterprise realized 58k implying that on the basis of this analysis, the Brood-and-Sell broiler enterprise is more profitable than the Brood-and-finish broiler enterprise in the study area. The parameter estimates showed that six variables significantly influence the choice of the techniques. These include household size, education, farm size, cost of feed, cost of medication and access to credit.Key words: Brood-and-sell, Brood-and-finish, Budgetary technique, Return on investment

Effect of adding ozone into an intensive broiler production unit on performance, mortality, ammonia levels, and bacterial levels as compared with a non-ozone-treated broiler unit

SUMMARY Ozone is a very unstable and reactive molecule that can rapidly oxidize many organic substances and is often used for odor control. It is also known to be an effective biocide at high dose levels. Despite the lack of scientific evidence linking ozone to reduced aerial ammonia at levels that are safe for birds and humans, there is still an interest in the use of the product for commercial production poultry units. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of adding atmospheric ozone at a target level of 0.05 ppm (level achieved, 0.03 ± 0.017 ppm) to rooms housing broiler chickens. Female broiler chickens were grown in either an untreated environment or an environment with added ozone (3 rooms of 5 replicate pens, each containing 110 birds/treatment). Bird weight and feed consumption were recorded on a pen basis at 21 and 40 d of age; mortalities were collected daily, and necropsies were performed. Air samples were collected and plated on appropriate media to count total aerobic bacteria at 11, 19, and 34 d of age and enterobacteria at 34 d. Atmospheric ammonia levels were measured on d 15, 20, 28, 32, and 38. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvement in feed conversion (feed:gain ratio) when corrected for mortality was noted in the ozone-treated birds (1.808 vs. 1.870). Birds exposed to ozone grew significantly slower (1.938 vs. 2.053 kg of BW gain), consumed less feed (3.695 vs. 3.953 kg), and had a higher mortality (11.46 vs. 7.33%) and condemnation percentages (10.36 vs. 3.39%) than nontreated broilers. The addition of ozone caused no significant decrease in ammonia level or total bacterial count. The major increases in morbidity and mortality of the birds subjected to ozone make ozone gas unacceptable for use in a commercial broiler unit and raise serious health issues for both producers and birds.

A dispersion modelling approach to determine the odour impact of intensive poultry production units in Ireland

The use of atmospheric dispersion modelling has become more common for the determination of odour impacts from existing poultry production facilities and the assessment of setback distances for new facilities. Setback distances for broiler, layer and turkey units were determined using the atmospheric dispersion model ISCST3 and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, Ireland) recommended criterion ( C 98,1-h ⩽ 6.0 ou E m −3) and a new odour annoyance criterion ( C 98,1-h ⩽ 9.7 ou E m −3) developed in this study. For a typical size unit in Ireland, maximum setback distances of 660, 665 and 1035 m were calculated for 40,000 broilers, 40,000 layers and 10,000 turkeys respectively at the current limit ( C 98,1-h ⩽ 6.0 ou E m −3). However, if the suggested odour impact criterion ( C 98,1-h ⩽ 9.7 ou E m −3) is implemented, the maximum setback distances decrease to 460, 500 and 785 m for broilers, layers and turkeys, respectively.

Odour and ammonia emissions from intensive poultry units in Ireland

Odour and ammonia emissions were measured from three broiler, two layer and two turkey houses in Ireland. The broiler units gave a large range of odour and ammonia emission rates depending on the age of the birds and the season. A considerable variation between the odour and ammonia emission rates was evident for the two layer units which may have been due to the different manure handling systems utilised in the houses. There was relatively little difference in the odour and ammonia emissions from the two turkey houses. As a precautionary principle, odour emission rates utilised in atmospheric dispersion models should use the maximum values for broilers and turkeys (1.22 and 10.5 ou E s −1 bird −1 respectively) and the mean value for the layers depending on the manure handling system used (0.47 or 1.35 ou E s −1 bird −1).

EVALUATION OF COOKING METHODS ON VARIOUS BEEF STEAKS1

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to evaluate sensory attributes and physical differences among steaks from two different cooking methods. Beef steaks (n=516) were cooked either with a conventional electric broiler oven (EB) or a gas infrared oven broiler unit (IR). Three 1.27 cm diameter cores were removed from each steak for Warner‐Bratzler shear determinations. Three 2.54 em cubes were removed for texture profile analysis. The remaining meat was evaluated by a trained sensory panel for scoring tenderness and juiciness. The average time required to cook the steaks with IR was 4 min 56 s less (P<0.05) than with EB, a reduction of 25%. Based on sensory data. sirloin tip steaks and rib steaks were more tender and juicy (P<0.05) when cooked with IR, however sensory attributes of round steaks and top butt steaks were not (P>O.OS) affected.

Detection of Chicken Anemia Virus DNA in the Thymus of Naturally Infected Chicks in Turkey

In this study, 94 clinically ill 11-28-day-old chicks belonging to eight broiler units from the Marmara region were investigated clinically for changes in hematocrit values and for the presence of chicken anemia virus (CAV) DNA. CAV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the thymus of 8.5% of the chicks. These chicks showed clinical signs of diarrhea, anorexia, depression, and growth retardation. The hematocrit values of these chicks were between 24% and 38%. At necropsy, hemorrhages were observed in the leg and pectoral muscles. Atrophy was noted in the thymus and in the bursa of Fabricius of positive chicks, and hemorrhages in the proventriculus of one positive chick were observed. This report describes the first detection of CAV DNA in chicks in Turkey.