Age and district wise mortality due to colibacillosis in commercial broiler farms of Kashmir valley

Age and district wise overall mortality and mortality due to Colibacillosis in commercial broiler farms of Kashmir valley was studied. The overall mortality among broiler chicken was 4.82% with the highest mortality of 1.48% recorded from 15–21 days of age and the least mortality of 0.21% was recorded in the age group beyond 28 days of age. The proportionate mortality due to Colibacillosis, calculated as a function of total mortality, was 34.50%. The highest mortality of 40.46% due to Colibacillosis was observed from 1521 days of age. The higher overall mortality of 5.48% was observed in district Pulwama followed by 5.36% in district Srinagar, 4.68% in district Budgam and 4.23% in district Ganderbal. Significantly (p<0.05) higher overall mortality of 6.13% was observed in smaller farms with flock strengths of up to 1000 birds and significantly (p<0.05) lower overall mortality of 3.06% and 2.70% was observed in broiler farms with flock strengths between 3001–4000 birds and above 4000 birds respectively. The higher mortality of 56.14% due to Colibacillosis was observed in broiler farms with flock strengths between 1001- 2000 birds and no mortality due to Colibacillosis was observed in broiler farms with flock strength of more than 4000 birds. It was concluded that in broiler chicken, mortality due to collibacillosis constituted a significant component of overall mortality and was significantly affected by age, geographical area and flock size. Birds in the 3rd week of age were most susceptible. Mortality due to Colibacillosis was highest in district Srinagar and least in district Budgam. Both overall mortality and mortality due to Colibacillosis was higher in smaller broiler farms and lower in larger broiler farms.