Perosis, commonly known as "slipped tendon," is a serious nutritional and metabolic disorder in poultry, particularly affecting young chicks and growing birds. It is primarily caused by manganese deficiency, although other factors such as inadequate nutrition, improper calcium-phosphorus balance, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to its development.
This disease leads to deformities in the leg joints, making it difficult for birds to stand or walk properly. If not addressed early, it can result in permanent lameness, growth retardation, and economic losses in poultry farming.
In this detailed guide, we will explore:
✅ What is Perosis (Slipped Tendon)?
✅ Causes of Perosis in Poultry
✅ Symptoms and Signs to Look For
✅ How to Prevent Perosis in Poultry?
✅ Best Treatment Methods & Nutritional Management
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to manage and prevent this condition to ensure the health and productivity of your poultry.
What is Perosis (Slipped Tendon) in Poultry?
Perosis is a nutritional disorder that affects the skeletal system of poultry, leading to malformation of leg joints and displacement of the Achilles tendon from its normal position. The condition primarily occurs in young growing birds and is commonly observed in broilers, layers, turkeys, and ducks when their diet lacks essential nutrients such as manganese, choline, biotin, and B vitamins.
When affected, birds develop enlarged hock joints, twisted or bent legs, and an inability to walk properly, resulting in reduced feed intake, poor weight gain, and high mortality rates if left untreated.
Causes of Perosis in Poultry
Several factors contribute to the development of perosis in poultry, but the primary cause is manganese deficiency. Other causes include:
1. Manganese Deficiency
Manganese is a vital trace mineral essential for proper bone formation, cartilage development, and enzyme activation in poultry. A diet lacking sufficient manganese can lead to:
- Weakening of the leg bones
- Poor cartilage growth
- Slipped tendon formation (Perosis)
2. Imbalance of Calcium and Phosphorus
An improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the diet can affect bone development, making birds more prone to skeletal deformities. High calcium levels can interfere with manganese absorption, further exacerbating the issue.
3. Deficiency of Choline and Biotin
Choline and biotin play a crucial role in collagen formation and cartilage development. A deficiency in these vitamins can result in weak tendons and improper leg alignment, increasing the risk of perosis.
4. Genetic Factors
Some poultry breeds are more susceptible to perosis due to genetic predisposition. Selective breeding of birds with strong leg structure can help reduce the risk.
5. Poor Incubation Conditions
Improper incubation, such as temperature fluctuations or humidity imbalance, can affect skeletal development in embryos, making chicks more vulnerable to perosis after hatching.
Symptoms of Perosis (Slipped Tendon) in Poultry
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Here are the common signs and symptoms of perosis in poultry:
1. Swollen and Enlarged Hock Joints
- Affected birds develop swollen hocks, making movement painful and difficult.
- The joints may appear red and inflamed.
2. Bent or Twisted Legs
- Legs appear twisted, bowed, or bent outward.
- Birds struggle to stand or walk properly.
3. Slipped Tendon
- The Achilles tendon slips from its normal groove, causing permanent leg deformity.
- The affected leg sticks out to the side.
4. Stunted Growth
- Chicks with perosis experience poor growth rates and reduced feed intake.
- They fail to reach their expected weight in commercial production.
5. Difficulty Standing or Walking
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Birds often sit on their hocks and avoid movement.
- Severe cases lead to complete lameness and inability to reach food and water, resulting in death due to starvation or dehydration.
How to Prevent Perosis in Poultry?
Prevention is always better than treatment, and ensuring proper nutrition is the key to avoiding perosis. Here are the best preventive measures:
1. Provide a Balanced Diet with Adequate Manganese
- Ensure poultry feed contains adequate manganese levels (30-50 mg/kg of feed).
- Use high-quality manganese sulfate or manganese oxide supplements.
2. Maintain Proper Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio
- The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in poultry diets should be 2:1.
- Avoid excessive calcium levels, which can interfere with manganese absorption.
3. Supplement with Choline and Biotin
- Include choline chloride and biotin-rich sources in poultry feed to support healthy cartilage development.
4. Use High-Quality Feed Ingredients
- Avoid contaminated or low-nutrient feed.
- Ensure all feed ingredients meet nutritional requirements for skeletal development.
5. Proper Incubation Practices
- Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels during incubation to prevent skeletal deformities in chicks.
Best Treatment Methods for Perosis in Poultry
If perosis is detected early, corrective treatment can improve the bird’s condition. Here’s how:
1. Dietary Correction
- Immediately increase manganese levels in the feed.
- Provide a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Physical Therapy & Tendon Realignment
- In mild cases, manually repositioning the slipped tendon and splinting the leg can help correct alignment.
- Provide soft bedding to reduce stress on joints.
3. Administer Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
- Give birds vitamin and mineral supplements containing manganese, choline, biotin, and vitamin D3.
- Electrolytes can help improve nutrient absorption.
4. Supportive Care
- Isolate severely affected birds to prevent competition for food.
- Ensure easy access to feed and water.
- Reduce stress by maintaining optimal temperature and lighting conditions.
5. Culling in Severe Cases
- If a bird is suffering from severe deformities and cannot recover, culling may be necessary to maintain overall flock health and productivity.
Conclusion
Perosis (Slipped Tendon) is a serious yet preventable condition in poultry caused by manganese deficiency and nutritional imbalances. By ensuring a well-balanced diet, proper mineral supplementation, and good management practices, poultry farmers can reduce the risk of perosis and improve bird health, productivity, and profitability.
Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce mortality rates and prevent economic losses. Keeping nutrient levels in check and following recommended poultry nutrition guidelines are the best strategies to safeguard your flock from perosis.
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