Liver Dysfunction Syndrome (LDS) is caused by excessive fat accumulation in the livers of adult hens, weakening liver cells and leading to potential fatal hemorrhaging. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, excessive dietary energy intake is a major contributing factor.

LDS is primarily observed in caged layers and is considered a metabolic or nutritional disorder, characterized by obesity and an enlarged, fatty liver that becomes soft and vulnerable to damage.

Worldwide, Liver Dysfunction Syndrome (LDS) leads to sudden death in birds at peak production. Key indicators of LDS include excessive fat in the liver, often accompanied by hemorrhage.

Cost of LDS Outbreak

A farm with 1,000 chickens experiencing an LDS outbreak will see the following impact:

Symptoms of LDS

• Sudden death, with pale head, wattles, comb, and skin.
• Enlarged, pale, soft, and fatty liver found during necropsy.
• Excess fat in the liver results in yellow, soft, and friable liver tissue.
• Potential liver rupture due to structural weakness.

Predisposing Factors LDS is a multifactorial condition, influenced by factors such as nutrition, hormonal influences, housing conditions, and genetics. It occurs most often in hens that have limited exercise, particularly those consuming excessive energy.

Key Risk Factors Include:

• Inadequate Protein Intake: Diets low in protein (below 17.5% crude protein) increase the risk of LDS.
• High-Fat Diets: Diets with more than 3.5% fat or high in energy sources such as corn elevate the risk.
• Age: Older hens are more susceptible.
• Heat Stress: Exposure to high temperatures exacerbates the condition.

Signs of LDS in Live Hens:

• Obesity and difficulty breathing.
• Distended abdomen and decreased egg production.
• Pale combs and skin, along with greenish diarrhea.
• Lethargy and sudden death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing LDS is challenging in live hens but can be confirmed post-mortem. During necropsy, affected livers are enlarged, soft, and show hemorrhaging, with the extent of the damage correlating to the fat accumulation.

Treatment Options

• Obesity Reduction: Reduce body fat in layers.
• Heat Stress Management: Minimize exposure to high temperatures and avoid moldy feed.
• Supplements: Use feed additives or medicines such as LVATONIC, which contains ingredients like choline chloride, betaine, and L-carnitine, to improve liver health.
• Extra Vitamin E: Supplements like AD3E-140 may also help manage LDS.

LIVRAX is a nutritional supplement designed to optimize liver function and support gastrointestinal health, containing key ingredients like choline, betaine, L-carnitine, D-L-methionine, and B-complex vitamins.

LVATONIC is a liver tonic specifically formulated for poultry, helping regulate fat deposits and preventing liver dysfunction. It supports liver regeneration and corrects digestive disturbances, especially in animals fed high-energy diets.

Prevention of LDS

• Use high-protein diets (over 17.5%) and low-fat feeds (under 3.5%).
• Avoid high-energy diets, especially those high in maize.
• Prevent heat stress by managing temperature and using Anti Stress Forte or vitamin C supplements.

If you would like more information on LVATONIC, LIVRAX, or LDS prevention and treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ZYRAX. We are dedicated to providing advanced solutions for poultry health.