Abstract:
Clostridial enterotoxemia
occurs in the clinical forms of necrotic enteritis, cholangiohepatitis,
and botulism. Broiler and turkey flocks which are fed diets devoid of
antibiotic supplements with activity against Gram positive intestinal
flora are susceptible to these conditions which detract from optimal
productivity and yield. Factors which predispose to clostridial enterotoxemia
include incorporation of more than 10% wheat or barley in diets, acute
changes in the form or composition of diets, starvation or climatic
and environmental stress including saturation of litter. Mild intestinal
coccidiosis may frequently precipitate outbreaks of necrotic enteritis.
Antibiotic dietary supplements including bacitracin, virginiamycin and
lincomycin will effectively suppress proliferation of toxigenic clostridia
when incorporated at sanctioned levels. Alternatives to antibiotics
include commercial suspensions of `beneficial` bacteria including Lactobacillus
spp. Bifidobacterium spp and Pediococcus spp. These are
administered to chicks or poults in drinking water after placement or
as a coarse spray after transfer to delivery boxes at the hatchery.
Additional preventive measures include acidification of water and feed
for newly placed flocks and incorporation of oligosaccharides and enzymes
in diets. Supportive modalities comprise management of ventilation to
maintain litter moisture between 20% and 25%, effective vaccination
to prevent immunosuppressive infections (IBD, MD, CA) and control of
coccidiosis.
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