Occurrence of Gizzard Erosion in Laying Hens Due to Fish Meal

Abstract

Gizzard erosion occurred in many flocks of laying hens, 150-500 days of age. It was caused by feeding a diet containing high levels (11.0-17.2%) of fish meal produced from sardines by heating at 120-130°C. Main clinical signs and gizzard lesion in the affected birds were almost the same as those reportedto have been in duced in young chicks and chickens by feeding fish meal. A marked decrease in egg production in hens seemed to be attributable to a reduced feed intake.