Ascites, also known as “water belly,” is a hidden threat that can bring quite a bit of trouble to poultry farmers. This condition, in which fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, can insidiously hinder bird growth and even lead to death. How can you prevent this and protect your flock from this disease? It’s not as difficult as it may seem! In this article, we will cover the causes of ascites, prevention methods, and practical steps you can take to keep your farm healthy and productive.

Ascites are a medical condition in which the bird’s circulatory system cannot meet its oxygen needs, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity. Broilers are most affected by this condition because their genetics are geared toward rapid growth, and in some cases, their heart and lungs cannot keep up.

Here’s why this condition is a problem:

• Reduced Productivity: Sick birds eat more but gain less weight, significantly increasing costs.
• Increased Mortality: In severe cases, ascites can lead to death just before slaughter, causing further losses.
• Additional Expenses: Time, effort, and costs of caring for sick birds increase, potentially leading to financial loss.

Reducing the risk of ascites allows the farmer to work with more peace of mind and confidence in their flock’s health.

Ascites occur due to many factors, including genetics, housing conditions, feed, and even growth rate. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes.

• Genetics. Broilers raised for meat are highly susceptible to ascites due to their rapid growth. Their heart and lungs don’t always handle the increased load, leading to bodily dysfunction.
• Insufficient Ventilation. Poor ventilation reduces oxygen levels, forcing birds to consume more energy, which adds extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Excess Sodium in Feed and Water. High sodium levels can cause fluid retention in the body, worsening the situation.
• Diseases and Infections. Respiratory diseases that strain the heart and lungs increase the risk of ascites.
• Rapid Weight Gain. Intense growth strains the cardiovascular system, which cannot always handle it, leading to ascites.

Knowing the causes is the first step toward successfully preventing this condition.

1. Control Ventilation and Temperature

• Ensure the housing is well-ventilated. Fresh air and adequate oxygen levels are essential for the cardiovascular system’s normal functioning.
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, as cold stress can cause birds to expend more energy on warming up, increasing the risk of ascites.

• Gradually increase feed volume for young birds to avoid rapid weight gain. A moderate growth rate in the early stages reduces stress on the cardiovascular system.
• Use feed with a controlled sodium level. Excessive sodium can cause fluid retention, which may trigger ascites.

• Ensure access to clean water by regularly cleaning the drinking systems. Freshwater reduces the risk of fluid retention and helps maintain proper hydration in the birds.
• Avoid water with excessive sodium content, as it will promote fluid accumulation.

• Regularly inspect your birds and promptly treat respiratory diseases. Diseases that strain the lungs and heart significantly increase the risk of ascites.
• Vaccinate birds if necessary, and follow biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of infection.

• Slightly reduce feed intake or lower lighting intensity to help slow growth and reduce cardiovascular strain.
• Introduce phased feeding for even growth and reduce the body's load.

• Use antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium to support cardiovascular health and improve oxygen circulation in the body.
• Consult a veterinarian to select optimal supplements that will support the heart and lungs of your birds.

• If ascites have already developed, don’t delay consulting a veterinarian. They can determine if special treatment or additional supplements are necessary.
• A veterinarian may also recommend therapeutic feed or other solutions to relieve the affected birds.