Pathomorphological characterization of hepatopathy associated with commonly occurring diseases in broiler and layer chicken reared in central Kashmir

Present study was undertaken to characterize the hepatopathy associated with the diseases prevalent among the broiler and layer chicken. Diseases were diagnosed following necropsy and standard laboratory investigations. A total of 4389 chickens including 2493 broilers and 1896 layers were necropsied. The diseases observed among broiler and layer chicken included omphalitis (27.63%; 41.95%), colibacillosis (34.57%, 18.45%), Salmonellosis (18.66%, 15.30%), hydropericardium syndrome (0.59% in broilers), Lympho-proliferative diseases (2.03%, 6.62%), aspergillosis (0.71%, 0.15%), ascites (12.46%, 11.72%), and gout (5.04%, 4.06%). Besides, lesions observed in different organs, liver showed marked gross and histomorphological alterations including vascular changes, degeneration (hepatosis), hepatitis, presence of inclusions in hydropericardium syndrome and uric acid tophy in gout, which were characteristic for the disease condition. Considering the extraordinary regenerative potential of the liver, the occurrence and nature of lesions observed in different diseases / conditions reflects the hepato-pathogenetic potential of these insults / injurious agents warranting consideration in good management practices.