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Phosphorous Deficiency

Phosphorous is required for healthy bones and is linked to the amount of calcium in the diet.

The ratio of calcium to phosphorus affects the absorption of both. An excess of one will reduce the absorption of the other.

Clinical Signs

Soft bones

Poor egg shell quality

Loss of egg production

Thin-shelled eggs

Shell-less eggs

Diagnosis

History
Clinical signs
Physical exam
Diet analysis
Blood test

Treatment

Supportive care: Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.:

Support

Scientific References

Karimi A, Coto C, Mussini F, Goodgame S, Lu C, Yuan J, Bedford MR, Waldroup PW.. Interactions between phytase and xylanase enzymes in male broiler chicks fed phosphorus-deficient diets from 1 to 18 days of age Poultry Science (2013)
Svihus B, Lund VB, Borjgen B, Bedford MR, Bakken M.. Effect of intermittent feeding, structural components and phytase on performance and behaviour of broiler chickens British Poultry Science (2013)
. Effect of inositol and phytases on hematological indices and α-1 acid glycoprotein levels in laying hens fed phosphorus-deficient corn-soybean meal-based diets Poultry Science (2013)
Karimi A, Min Y, Lu C, Coto C, Bedford MR, Waldroup PW.. Assessment of potential enhancing effects of a carbohydrase mixture on phytase efficacy in male broiler chicks fed phosphorus-deficient diets from 1 to 18 days of age. Poultry Science (2013)
Takeda E, Yamamoto H, Yamanaka-Okumura H, Taketani Y.. Dietary phosphorus in bone health and quality of life Nutrition Review (2012)
Kebreab E, France J, Kwakkel RP, Leeson S, Kuhi HD, Dijkstra J.. Development and evaluation of a dynamic model of calcium and phosphorus flows in layers Poultry Science (2009)
National Academy. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry Washington, D.C. (1994)

Case Stories

Also Consider

Egg drop syndrome