Understanding Perosis in Poultry: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Hello farmer friend! It’s always a pleasure sharing poultry matters with you. I hope your birds are thriving and bringing smiles to your face. As part of our ongoing discussion on common poultry diseases, today, let’s talk about a condition that quietly affects the growth and mobility of young birds — Perosis.
What is Perosis?
Perosis, also known as “slipped tendon” or chondrodystrophy, is a leg deformity that commonly affects young poultry birds, especially those below six (6) weeks of age. It is caused by nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of certain essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper bone development and joint formation. Birds affected by Perosis may struggle to walk or stand properly, which can lead to growth challenges and reduced productivity.
Causes of Perosis in Poultry – Perosis is typically linked to deficiencies in the nutrition of the birds. Common triggers for these nutritional deficiencies include –
- Poor feed formulation
- Imbalanced rations
- Long-term storage of feed (which reduces vitamin potency)
Deficiency in poultry nutrition occurs in the following ways –
1. Vitamins, such as , Biotin, Choline, Folic acid, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
2. Minerals, such as, Manganese (which a critical mineral for bone formation and cartilage development
Symptoms of Perosis – Recognizing early signs of Perosis can help you act quickly to support affected birds. These symptoms can severely affect the birds’ mobility, feed consumption, and overall health. Some symptoms to watch out for:
1. Shortened, stunted legs
2. Enlarged or swollen hock joints – joints may appear inflamed and painful
3. Slipped tendons – the tendon behind the hock joint slips out of position, making movement difficult or painful
4. Twisted or malformed leg bones
5. Lameness or inability to walk properly
6. Weakness and low activity levels
Prevention and Control of Perosis – The good news is that Perosis is preventable, some tips to help you protect your flock:
- Feed a Balanced Diet – Ensure that the birds’ feed is properly formulated with the right balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals — especially those needed for skeletal health. Quality feed is key to preventing nutrient-related disorders.
- Use Vitamin and Mineral Supplements – If your feed is suspected to be low in certain nutrients, supplement the birds’ water with appropriate vitamin-mineral premixes. This is particularly important during the early growth stages.
- Monitor Feed Quality – Store feed properly to avoid nutrient degradation. Avoid moldy, stale, or poorly stored feed that could lead to further nutritional issues.
- Observe Young Birds Closely – Perosis often begins subtly. Daily observation helps in identifying early signs and taking corrective actions quickly.
“Prevention is better than cure.” In poultry farming, this couldn’t be more true. Perosis may not be contagious, but its effect on your flock can be damaging. Birds that cannot walk or stand properly are less productive and more prone to other health problems. By feeding your birds with high-quality, balanced nutrition, you’re not only preventing Perosis but also promoting strong bones, healthy growth, and better flock performance.
Was this information helpful? Have you encountered Perosis on your farm before?
Share your experience or drop your questions in the comments.
We’re more than just fellow farmers — we are colleagues, partners and friends on this poultry journey together.
Cheers to healthy birds and thriving farms.