Necrotic enteritis is a severe intestinal disease in poultry. This most commonly affects age group of 2-6 weeks. It’s caused by Clostridium perfringens type A and C. Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive, spore forming anaerobic bacterium. It produces necrotizing toxins, which damages the intestinal lining.
CLINICAL FORMS:
- ACUTE NECROTIC ENTERITIS:
Depression, ruffled feathers, reduced feed intake, high mortality. - CHRONIC NECROTIC ENTERITIS:
Reduced growth rate, poor FCR, chronic intestinal damage.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL STRATEGIES:
1. FEED QUALITY: Avoid feeds with high levels of protein. Ensure feed is mold-free and stored in dry conditions. Addition of acidifiers which will inhibit clostridium and maintain gut pH.
2. COCCIDIOSIS CONTROL: Coccidial infection triggers the necrotic enteritis. Coccidiosis treatment help to reduce intestinal damage and also reduces the risk of necrotic enteritis.
3. GUT HEALTH SUPPORT: Use probiotics to outcompete clostridium. Probiotics will establish and maintain gut microbiome. Prebiotics like mannan oligosaccharides or beta glucans to support beneficial bacteria and immune modulation.
4. IMMUNOMODULATION: Strengthen the immunity with supplements, trace minerals and nucleotides.
5. MONITORING AND EARLY DETECTION: Monitor feed conversion, body weight gain and flock behaviour.
6. NATURAL ALTERNATIVES: With the use of natural alternatives like essential oils (oregano, thyme), enzyme additives (xylanase), and probiotics. These reduces the coccidiosis chances.
SYMPTOMS:
- Sudden increase in mortality.
- Loss of appetite.
- Brownish or yellow pseudomembrane.
- Decreased growth and reduced feed efficiency.
- Foul-smelling droppings.
- Pale combs and wattles due to dehydration andanemia.
- Enlargement of liver in severe cases.
- Secondary complications (liver damage,immunosuppression)
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