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Control of Ascites Syndrome By Feed Restriction Techniques

Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones, Forestales y Agropecuarias,Avenida Acueducto 1750, Morelia, Michocan, Mexico

Miguel Berger

La Luz 38, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62450, Mexico

Carlos Lopez Coello

Departmento de Produccion Animal: Aves, FMVZ, UNAM, Mexico, D. F., Mexico

Correspondence: Carlos Lopez Coello

Feed restriction has been suggested as a means of reducing the incidence of ascites syndrome (AS) in broilers. A series of experiments investigated the use of several restriction techniques to reduce ascites while minimizing weight depression.

In a preliminary experiment, feed was provided either ad libitum (i. e., full-fed), eight hours per day, or at a level 10% below that of full-fed controls. In both restriction programs, incidence of ascites syndrome was reduced significantly, but body weight gains were reduced severely.

In three additional experiments, skip-a-day feeding programs implemented at various times during the starter period were compared. In two studies conducted at 1940 meters (6363 ft) above sea level, skip-a-day programs from 7-13 or 15-21 days of age significantly reduced the incidence of ascites syndrome without severe reduction in body weight gain or feed conversion. In another study at 2500 meters (8200 ft), a more severe restriction was necessary to reduce the incidence of ascites syndrome. It was concluded that skip-a-day feed restriction programs during the starting period can effectively reduce the incidence of ascites syndrom without severely compromising body weight gain or feed conversion.

Key Words: Ascites syndrome • broilers • feed restriction