Rattling breathing in broiler chickens is usually associated with respiratory diseases, especially airsacculitis, tracheal blockage and other conditions caused by mixed viral, bacterial or mycoplasma infections. The following is a detailed analysis and suggested responses:
I. Causes
1. Environmental factors
Poor ventilation, large temperature fluctuations and excessively high ammonia concentrations can irritate the respiratory mucosa and cause inflammation. Poorly ventilated poultry houses can become stuffy, increasing the risk of infection.
2. Pathogen infections
- Viruses: Influenza, infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease viruses, among others, damage the respiratory mucosa, causing coughing and rattling breathing.
- Bacteria: Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma often cause secondary infections, leading to cloudy air sacs and caseous deposits.
- Mixed infection: Viruses and bacteria act synergistically, aggravating the condition and causing tracheal obstruction, pericarditis and perihepatitis, among other symptoms.
3. Immunosuppression
Vaccine stress or immunosuppressive pathogens (such as infectious bursal disease virus) can weaken the flock’s resistance and induce respiratory disease.
II. Typical symptoms
- Early stage: Coughing, rattling breathing, and head shaking; occasional tearing; yellow-green droppings.
- Middle stage: Stretching the neck and making strange cries, open-mouth breathing, reduced feed intake, and droppings mixed with white feces.
- Late stage: A sharp increase in deaths; cloudy air sacs containing caseous material, lung hemorrhage, and enlarged kidneys.
III. Treatment plan
1. Drug treatment
- Combined antiviral and antibacterial medication: for example, influenza yolk antibody + antibiotics effective against Escherichia coli (florfenicol, amikacin), together with an antipyretic (Bupleurum) to relieve symptoms.
- Targeted administration: use aerosols or drugs with strong penetration to act directly on lesions in the air sacs and lungs.
2. Supportive measures
- Supplement vitamins A and D3 to repair the respiratory mucosa.
- Strengthen disinfection, reduce the ammonia concentration, and maintain humidity at 60%-70%.
IV. Prevention essentials
1. Feeding and management
- Control stocking density and avoid day-night temperature differences >5℃; ventilate regularly.
- Use microecological preparations to regulate the gut and reduce ammonia production.
2. Immunization and disease prevention
- Vaccines for Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and other diseases require precise immunization; avoid excessive doses that may cause stress.
- Add Astragalus polysaccharides and electrolytic multivitamins after immunization to reduce vaccine reactions.
3. Early intervention
- If nasal snicking or coughing occurs, promptly use Maxing Shigan Powder + tylosin to control it and prevent secondary infections.
Summary
Broiler chickens’ rattling breathing is often caused by mixed viral and bacterial infections. Comprehensive prevention and control should combine environmental regulation, targeted medication, and immune management. If severe tracheal blockage has already occurred, immediately use antiviral antibodies (such as influenza and infectious bronchitis yolk powder) together with antibiotics for treatment.
Source: White-feather broiler ventilation technology. The treatment plan in this article is for reference only!