Causes: Deficiency of niacin (nicotinic acid) in the diet.

Effects: Signs include reduced feed consumption, body weight loss and lameness in young birds. Reduced hatchability can occur. Inflammation of the mouth, diarrhoea and reduced feathering may also occur.

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.

Deficiency in the diet.

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.

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.

Analysis of feed for niacin is diagnostic.

Quality control of feed

Restore correct levels of niacin to the diet.

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