I know that some nutritional deficiency, entric diseases or viral infections could result in pica in chickens, but what is the most probable reason if it was not related to nutrition? and what we can do for these chickens?
As far as I know, pica is related to nutrition. Pica occurs as a result of calcium. What is the percentage of calcium contained in the feeds you are using. The feeds manufacturer might not put enough calcium. I would advice you to change feeds; may be you can purchase from another company.
I quite agree with the submissions of Peter & Medina on pica. However, studies have shown that it could be as a result of unfamiliar environment which the birds might have been raised. Deficiency in some of the essential amino acids notably methionine could trigger some metabolic interactions that may result in pica. While mineral deficiency such as Ca & P may be direct suspect, I think it goes beyond this assertion.
I think it is caparophagy . The pica is some thing related to chronic phosphorus deficiency or due to imbalance of Calcium to phosphorus ratio. The other possible reason could be fiber deficiency as in case of equines. Some studies shows psycological in etiology. For better prevention, requires to find out the exact cause of stereotype behaviour.
Pica is otherwise referred to as depraved appetite. It is mostly nutritionally based caused by the deficiency of phosphorus in the diet. Parasitic infestation, new litter material etc. may also predispose the birds to pica. Balanced diet and good management are recommended for the prevent of pica. Pica could lead to crop impaction.
Considering to the amount of insoluble fiber in the diet may be able to solve the problem.
This article is useful in this regard: Role of insoluble non-starch
polysaccharides in poultry nutrition, World’s Poultry Science Journal, DOI: 10.1079/WPS200325.
I think Phosphorus deficiency is the main reason for developing pica,beyond this other vitamin and mineral deficiencies also play as predisposing factors.Adequate vitamins,amino acids,minerals addition,changing the litter,space extension and adding enzymes could reduce the problem.
The loss of appetite or depraved appetite due to deficiency of phosphorous is known to be Pica in which animals have a craving for consumption of abnormal materials such as soil, wood, flesh and bones. Even in sodium deficiency in milking cows is a pica or craving for salt manifested by avid licking of wood, soil or sweat of other animals.
Birds start eating materials which are not fit for consumption, such as feathers, litter material, threads, etc. It is less commonly found in modern poultry farm. Phosphorus deficiency, parasitic infestation, new litter material etc. may predispose the birds to pica. Good manage- mental care and balanced diet are recommended for the prevention of pica .
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