Uterine Prolapse in Poultry

The uterine prolapse is one of the problems facing egg-producing poultry growers, whether it is eggs for hatchery or for human consumption.

In the normal situation and when laying eggs, part of the oviduct is taken out for a few moments and then return to the normal state. However, sometimes after ovulation, a reversal of that part, especially the last part of the uterus and vagina, can not return to the normal state. Which causes what is known as uterine prolapse and in severe cases accompanied by the sudden exit of part of the intestine. This condition is most common in young hens that have started laying too soon but can be inherited in some breeds. Other birds in the flock will often peck at the prolapse since hens are attracted to the red flesh. This will quickly kill the hen so a hen with a prolapse must be isolated quickly.

Causes of uterine prolapse

Non - compliance with the feeding of birds during the rearing period and provision of feed is not compatible with the needs of the breed.

Follow the incorrect lighting programs during the rearing period, especially for the herds, which are raised in the open houses and exposed during this period to increasing day light

Early egg laying especially in open houses.

Increased number of large eggs or double yolk eggs.

Overweight or underweight birds.

In-correct debeaking at the beginning of birds life which leads to incorrect body development.

Non-compliance with the quantities of feed scheduled and the uneven distribution of feed leads to exposure of some birds to increased deposition of fat.

Egg peritonitis, poor diet, oviduct infections, and obesity all of them are predisposing factors to uterine prolapse.

How to avoid uterine prolapse

We should know that the cases of uterine prolapse in birds have no treatment and treatment procedures that can be done with high-priced birds such as florists are only procedures carried out on an individual level and not suitable for application at the level of commercial production herds.

Therefore, the procedure followed with cases of uterine prolapse in birds is to follow preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of this phenomenon and when these cases appear must be isolated and disposed of.

To prevent the occurrence of these conditions, follow the following:

1-Keep away from breeds that have the potential to occur this phenomenon.

2-Flock grading must be applied three times during rearing period and exclusion of small individuals adhering to the nutritional specifications of feed for each breed.

3-Adhering to the nutritional specifications of feed for each breed.

4-Do not expose the herd to intestinal infections or parasitic infections.

5-Homogeneous distribution of feed.

6-The speed of feed distribution helps to homogenize feed consumption and this prevents the increase of fat deposition in some birds.

7-Regular weekly increase in body weight during the rearing period

8-Avoid sudden increase in body weight during egg production.

9-Commitment to apply the lighting program with special accuracy in the open houses.

10-Avoid sudden increase in light intensity, especially during egg production.

11-Ensure that egg nests are enough.

12-Apply debeaking correctly.