Causes: Deficiency of Vitamin K in the diet. High levels of sulphaquinoxaline may increase the incidence and severity of the condition.

Effects: Signs occur 2-3 weeks after the deficiency occurs. Haemorrhaging and anaemia may be seen in young birds. It can cause increased embryonic mortality in breeders and dead embryos can be haemorrhagic.

Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of prothrombin. Deficiency in the diet can result in blood clotting difficulties. High levels of sulfaquinoxaline may increase the incidence and severity of the condition.

Show 2-3 weeks after the deficiency occurs. Haemorrhaging and anaemia in young birds may be seen. It can cause increased embryonic mortality in breeders and dead embryos can be haemorrhagic.

Lesions include haemorrhages on the breast, legs, wings and/or in the abdominal cavity and a hypoplastic bone marrow.

Signs, lesions and determination of the prothrombin time are useful.

Correct the deficiency by restoring adequate vitamin K levels to the diet.

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