Investigation of an outbreak of gout in kashmir favorella poultry

An outbreak of gout was investigated in a flock of Kashmir favorella maintained under intensive managemental system, causing a mortality of 18.76 per cent (46 of245) birds over a period of six months. Both visceral and articular gout were observed simultaneously. Kidneys revealed more severe changes and were full of white coloured uric acid urate deposits. Heart, liver, spleen, lungs, air sacs and serosal surfaces of the intestines along with proventriculus and gizzard had whitish frosty appearance. Almost all the joints revealed deposition of chalky pasty material. Histopathologically, severe nephropathy ranging from acute to chronic nephritis together with pericarditis, hepatitis, splenitis and arthritis were predominant lesions. Tissue uric acid levels were 6.95 ± 2.13,5.39 ± 0.606,2.35 ± 1.06, and 2.14 ± 0.70 mg per g (wet tissue basis) in kidneys, liver, lungs and heart, respectively. The feed analysis revealed a disproportionate Ca: P ratio (3.5: 1) and 16.39% crude protein. Exclusion of concentrate feed, and maintaining the birds on maize only along with incorporation of ammonium sulphate 5g per kg feed helped in control of gout. However reincorporation of concentrate having 15 % crude protein caused relapse of gout. The study stressed the need to evaluate the protein requirements.