Carcass condemnation is a costly problem for the poultry industry. Knowing the reason for the condemnation and addressing some predisposing factors might reduce losses. A report by the Government of Canada (1) shows that the main causes of condemnation in turkeys were subcutaneous conditions with 44.95% of all condemned and dark-colored carcasses with 9.22%. For broilers, 57.66% of all condemnations were due to subcutaneous conditions and 13.72% were due to liver conditions. However, in Alberta, the second most common cause for condemnation was abdominal oedema. This article will briefly describe two of the most common reasons for carcass condemnation in poultry, what might cause it, and possibilities to reduce it.
Liver conditions
Macroscopic pathologic changes in the liver lead to carcass condemnation. A study done in Saskatchewan (2) found that 83% of the condemned livers had hepatitis. The organs were enlarged and presented necrotic areas of varying sizes. The same research showed a correlation between liver lesions and elevated titers of antibodies against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV). IBDV makes the bird immunosuppressed and more prone to secondary infections (2).
However, not only IBDV, but any subacute or chronic disease that affects immunity and decreases the liver’s ability to “clear” the pathogens may cause liver abnormalities (3).
How to reduce it?
Liver conditions can be reduced by management practices that promote bird health. Maintaining proper litter condition, reducing bird stress (4), good nutrition and following the proper biosecurity and vaccination protocols are all measurements that can reduce diseases and condemnations caused by liver conditions.
Litter moisture should be between 20 and 25% (5). Litter moisture can be assessed by using a Pinless Moisture Meter or by grabbing a handful of litter and squeezing it. If it forms a ball, that means the litter moisture is too high (5). If that is the case, litter quality can be improved by removing wet/caked litter, adding new bedding material and controlling the possible causes (leaky drinker, poor gut health, too much salt in the diet). Litter amendments can also be used to help dry the litter and/or inhibit bacterial growth (5).
Research has shown that when birds are submitted to stress there is a reduction in the gut barrier function which makes the animal more vulnerable to infections (6). Stress can be caused by several factors such as improper barn temperature or ventilation (see how to address that below on Abdominal Oedema), poor litter quality (associated with ammonia and footpad lesions), overcrowding (check ideal stocking density in Part 1 of this article), and poor nutrition and water conditions. Check the nutritional requirements of your birds in the management guide or the Nutritional Requirements of Poultry and frequently perform an assessment and cleaning of your waterlines.
One of the main ways that disease spreads in a poultry farm is by exposure to contaminated equipment, clothing and footwear of humans (7), therefore frequent equipment cleaning and disinfecting and wearing exclusive clothing and footwear inside the barn can help reduce disease that might result in liver conditions.
Vaccines help prevent diseases. Talk to a poultry veterinarian to develop a vaccination protocol for your birds (8) and follow it in order to avoid IBVD and other pathogens that can cause liver damage in your birds and result in condemnations.
Abdominal oedema
Abdominal oedema occurs due to ascites, which is a distended or ballooned abdomen with accumulation of fluid (9).
Ascites happens when there is a metabolic disorder and the body struggles to meet the bird`s oxygen demands (10). Ascites can be inherited or caused by several factors such as high altitude, cold temperatures, low-oxygen environment or any situation in which the bird cannot keep up with the body’s oxygen demand. Males have more ascites than females and that is associated with their faster growth and increased oxygen demand (10).
How to reduce it?
Some measurements that can be taken to avoid ascite-inducing conditions include maintaining proper barn ventilation/oxygenation and adequate temperatures, especially during the colder months (10).
Adequate ventilation helps to maintain proper levels of oxygen and humidity inside the barn, as well as control the temperature. There are several factors that influence the minimum ventilation rates such as outdoor and indoor temperature, stocking density, negative pressure and house tightness. For more information on barn ventilation check out the article Factors to consider for barn ventilation during winter. To assess indoor air quality and measure the CO2 concentration inside the barn, farmers can use a portable CO2 meter.
Ideal barn temperature varies according to bird type and age. See the tables below based on information from the Codes of Practice (8).
Table 1. Optimum broiler chicken barn temperature ranges. Measured at bird level and considering humidity between 50-70%(8).
| Bird Age | Temperature Range |
| 1-7 days | 30-34oC |
| 1-5 weeks | Lower by 2 -3oC each week |
| 6 weeks on | 18-24oC |
Table 2. Optimum turkey barn temperature ranges. Measured at bird level and considering humidity between 50-70%(8).
| Bird Age | Temperature Range |
| 1-7 days | 32-35oC |
| 1-5 weeks | Lower by 2 -3oC each week |
| 6-10 weeks | 15-24oC |
| 11 weeks on | 13-24oC |
| Breeders | 7-24oC |
Conclusion
Carcass condemnation during processing is frustrating to poultry producers due to the loss of time and money. It is important to work in partnership with the processing plants to understand the causes of condemnations, address the issues and reduce future losses.
References
1. Poultry Condemnation Report by Species for Federally Inspected Plants: https://aimis-simia.agr.gc.ca/rp/index-eng.cfm?action=pR&r=133&pdctc= Accessed April 26, 2022
2. Amini, K., T. Zachar, S. Popowich, T. Knezacek, B. Goodhope, O. Willson, and S. Gomis. 2015. Association of increased rate of condemnation of broiler carcasses due to hepatic abnormalities with immunosuppressive diseases in the broiler chicken industry in Saskatchewan. Can J Vet Res. 2015 Oct; 79(4): 261–267.
3. An Investigation into the Causes and Reduction Strategies for Carcass Condemnations in Broiler Chickens. 32p. Report done by Conde, R. Duperron, G. Jensen, A. Roth, M. Starosielski in partnership with the University of Alberta and Maple Leaf Foods, 2022
4. Supartika, I. K. E., J. H. van der Stroom-Kruyswijk, M. J. M. Toussaint, and E. Gruys. 2007. Necrotizing granulomatous hepatitis in slaughtered broilers. Avian Dis. 51:632-638. doi:10.1637/0005-2086(2007)51[632:NGHISB]2.0.CO;2
5. Litter Quality and Broiler Performance Casey W. Ritz, Brian D. Fairchild, and Michael P. Lacy Extension Poultry Scientists. UGA extension bulletin. https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201267_5.PDF Accessed July 27, 2022
6. Nazli, A., P. C. Yang, J. Jury, K. Howe, J. L. Watson, J. D. Soderholm, P. M. Sherman, M. H. Perdue, and D. M. McKay. Epithelia under metabolic stress perceive commensal bacteria as a threat. Am. J. Pathol. 164:947-957. 2004.
7. Cunningham, D. L., and Fairchild, B.D. 2020. Biosecurity Basics for Poultry Growers. Bulletin 1306 University of Georgia Extension. https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201306_6.PDF Accessed on August 3rd, 2022
8. Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chicken and Turkeys, 2016. https://www.nfacc.ca/pdfs/codes/poultry_code_EN.pdf Accessed July 26, 2022
9. Government of Canada. Post-mortem examination program, 2020. https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-industry/industry-guidance/food-guidance/post-mortem-examination-program/eng/1578083999811/1578084000263#a54 Accessed July 19, 2022
10. Closter A. M., P. van As, M.G. Elferink, R.P.M.A. Crooijmanns, M.A.M. Groenen, A.L.J. Vereijken, J.A.M. Van Arendonk, and H. Bovenhuis. 2012. Genetic correlation between heart ratio and body weight as a function of ascites frequency in broilers split up into sex and health status. Poult. Sci. 91:556-564. doi:10.3382/ps.2011-01794
