Managing layer prolapse

摘要

Prolapse can be defined as a prolonged eversion of the mucous internal membrane of the cloaca and sometimes of the oviduct. This becomes a major problem when it is associated with vent pecking and cannibalism. The factors contributing to prolapse are mostly management related, and one or more of these may turn prolapse into a major problem. These include: 1 Factors exposing the vent area make the cloacal and oviduct membrane more susceptible to damage, including: feather loss by overheating; overcrowding; factors generating pecking such as excessive light intensity, white light or external parasites (like mites); and vices such as getting a taste for blood. 2 Factors which may lead to excessive eversion of the cloacal mucous membrane and potentialdamage include: too large early egg size, diseases such as Infectious Bronchitis generating abdominal infection and inflammation of the oviduct, excessive nervousness of birds generated by overcrowding, light, etc., broken internal eggs, internal lay. 3Factors generating a reduction of the oviduct's elasticity which prevents it from retracting quickly after an egg is laid. Major ones include: pecking lesions on the membranes generating scars and fibrosis; excessive abdominal fat pockets and fat tissues in the vent due to unbalanced feed formulas reducing the elasticity; young underweight birds starting production too early usually show a poor elasticity of the oviduct.