Fatty liver-hemorrhagic syndrome observed in commercial layers fed diets containing chelated minerals

Avian Dis. 1995 Jul-Sep;39(3):631-5.

Abstract

This study was originally conducted to determine the effect of various chloride levels and consumption of chelated versus non-chelated minerals on egg production and eggshell breaking strength. However, the focus of this report changed after fatty liver-hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) was observed in hens that consumed diets containing chelated minerals. No FLHS was observed in hens that consumed a diet that contained non-chelated minerals. Four hundred thirty-two 35-week-old commercial laying hens were housed in individual cages in groups of nine hens each. The treatments were factorially arranged (3 x 2) such that six experimental diets differing in chloride levels and in source of minerals were fed for six 28-day laying periods. A significantly higher mortality attributed to FLHS was observed in hens that consumed the diets having chelated minerals as compared with hens that consumed the diets with non-chelated minerals. No difference in mortality was observed among the hens fed the various chloride diets.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Chelating Agents / toxicity*
  • Chickens
  • Fatty Liver / chemically induced
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Fatty Liver / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Hemorrhage / veterinary*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Minerals / toxicity*
  • Poultry Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Poultry Diseases / pathology
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Minerals