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Analysis of the etiology of environmental changes for fattening turkeys under specific conditions of ecological poultry farming
Project
Project code: 2819OE059
Contract period: 06.04.2020
- 31.03.2022
Budget: 408,416 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: poultry, product quality, prevention, animal nutrition, cause and effect-relationship, organic farming
In the scope of the study 'Indikatoren einer tiergerechten Mastputenhaltung unter den Bedingungen der ökologischen Geflügelmast' ('Indicators for animal-friendly husbandry of fattening turkeys under the conditions of organic poultry farming”, Fkz. 2812OE030), liver alterations, especially in form of green discoloration, were seen in the majority of herds on carcass inspection. The average prevalence of green liver discoloration (GLD) in these herds was significantly higher than the prevalence documented for conventionally reared turkeys, summarized in the report of the project 'Indikatoren einer tiergerechten Mastputenhaltung” ('Indicators for animal-friendly husbandry of fattening turkeys”, Fkz. 06HS015). In this disease complex, also named 'green-liver syndrome”, green livers are noticed in - on external examination - otherwise apparently healthy turkey carcasses. On detailed examination though, carcasses frequently contain further, often bacterially colonized lesions, including arthritis/synovitis, soft-tissue abscesses, and osteomyelitis. The etiology of the disease complex is insufficiently clarified and seems multifactorial. The aim of this research project is a cause analysis for the strikingly high prevalence of GLD in turkeys reared under the conditions of organic farming in Germany. For this purpose, pathological (incl. histological, microbiological and virological) examinations of turkeys from several organic poultry farms are planned, as well as an evaluation of the individual immune status and overall health through blood biochemical and hematological analyses. Moreover, detailed investigation of herd health at the slaughterhouse, as well as of a possible nutritional impact will be performed. Pinpointing of potential further implications of GLD should lead to formulation of strategies towards 1. prevention of the spread of potentially unwholesome foodstuffs, and 2. prevention or reduction of this pathology through modification of underlying conditions.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
