Nutrition-related aspects of ascites in poultry

Pulmonary hypertension syndrome or ascites is a complex problem in poultry production. This disease has multiple causes, including genetic factors (genotype, sex) and non-genetic factors (altitude, improper egg incubation, ambient conditions in the poultry house, diet, etc.). Results from numerous studies have shown that improper diet and its interaction with other factors are among major reasons for the incidence of ascites symptoms. The objective of this study was to highlight major nutritional aspects related to pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broiler chickens. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the dietary levels of antioxidant compounds, some minerals, energy and protein, feed forms, type of diet, and feed supplementation with ingredients which reduce the incidence of ascites.