Ascites Syndrome in Broiler Chickens

The ascites syndrome (AS), also known as Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (PHS), can be a major problem in the poultry industry, especially in the case of poor-managed flocks. It is commonly accepted that AS/PHS is caused by increased pulmonary blood flow or increased resistance to flow in the lung. This condition may produce right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), valvular insufficiency, increased systemic venous pressure and in the latest stages ascites. Interactions among genetic, environmental and dietary factors play a basic role in the determinism of AS/PHS. Interventions should be aimed at slowing down the body growth as the high metabolic rate is a major factor contributing to the susceptibility of broilers to ascites. In this light is particularly important the choice of a diet appropriate to growing period associated with genetic selection addressed to achieve high weight gain without increasing the incidence of AS/PHS.