Niacin deficiency occurrs worldwide in poultry of all ages. It is caused by a deficiency of niacin (nicotinic acid) in the diet.
- Causes of Niacin deficiency >
- Effects of Niacin deficiency >
- Diagnosis of Niacin deficiency >
- Treatment & Control of Niacin deficiency >
Causes of Niacin deficiency
Nicotinic acid or niacin is the vitamin component of two important coenzymes (NAD and NADP). These enzymes are involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. They are especially important in metabolic reactions that yield energy. All species of bird, both young and adults, are susceptible to this disease.
Mode of transmission
Deficiency in the diet.
Effects of Niacin deficiency
Signs include reduced feed consumption and body weight and lameness in young birds. Reduced hatchability can occur in adults. Inflammation of the mouth, diarrhoea and reduced feathering may also occur.
Postmortem lesions
Enlargement of the hock joint and bowing of the legs is similar to perosis, however, the tendon rarely slips from its condyles as in perosis.
Diagnosis of Niacin deficiency
Analysis of feed for niacin is diagnostic.
Treatment & Control of Niacin deficiency
Prevention
Quality control of feed
Treatment
Restore correct levels of niacin to the diet.
