The article highlights the often-overlooked issue of pain in poultry and its negative impact on productivity. Pain in birds can result from infections, environmental stress, mechanical injuries, poor housing conditions, or improper feeding. Addressing pain effectively can improve feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth rates, and overall flock health.
Understanding Pain in Poultry
- Defined as an unpleasant, subjective sensation caused by tissue damage or potential threats.
- Pain can arise from bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections.
- Factors such as high stocking density, temperature fluctuations, ammonia buildup, and stress lower birds’ pain thresholds.
Key Indicators of Pain in Poultry
- Reduced water and feed intake
- Weight loss and growth suppression
- Abnormal behaviors (increased vocalization or lethargy)
- Higher mortality rates
- Swollen joints, squatting, and reluctance to move
- Discharge from natural body orifices
- Closed eyes, slumped posture, or falling behind the flock
Inflammation and Pain Mechanisms
Pain in poultry is largely driven by inflammation, which occurs in four phases:
- Vascular phase – Increased blood flow to the inflamed area.
- Effusion and swelling phase – Fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, causing swelling.
- Infiltration phase – Immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages) migrate to the inflamed area.
- Tissue repair phase – Damaged tissue is either regenerated or replaced with scar tissue.
A key driver of inflammation is prostaglandin production, which intensifies pain, swelling, and fever.
Natural Pain Management with Salicylates
- Salicylates (natural anti-inflammatory compounds) block prostaglandin production, reducing pain and swelling.
- Salivet (BioPoint, Poland) is a natural salicylate-based supplement that:
- Contains phenol glycosides (salicin), spireozide, and isosalicin.
- Works similarly to synthetic aspirin but is gentler on the stomach.
- Does not accumulate in the body, requiring no withdrawal time.
- Supports gut health while reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
Pain management in poultry should be a key component of flock health strategies. Salivet offers a safe, natural alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, helping to enhance bird welfare, improve productivity, and reduce recovery time from disease-related pain.