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Broiler Farm Monitoring Checklist for Early Signs of Toxin Exposure

May 20, 2025

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Use this as a weekly observation tool across all flocks. Mark each sign as:

  • Yes (Y) – observed
  • No (N) – not observed
  • Mild (M) – minimal occurrence
  • Moderate (MOD) – consistent across some birds
  • Severe (S) – observed across majority or visibly affecting flock performance

1. General Performance Indicators

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Unexplained FCR rise >0.05 vs standard
Poor uniformity (>10% birds below avg)
Sluggish feed intake, no visible reason
Reduced water intake (especially after feed change)
Overall lethargy or dullness in the flock

2. Physical Appearance

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Dull combs, paler wattles
Poor feather quality / delayed feathering
Yellowish discoloration around vent
Swollen or enlarged livers on postmortem
Presence of bile accumulation / green livers

3. Droppings & Litter

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Wet droppings without infection symptoms
Undigested feed in droppings
Sour smell from litter (possible gut imbalance)
Clumped litter in patches

4. Gut Health Check (Postmortem Observations)

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Patchy or eroded gut lining
Thin, translucent intestines
Feed passage or undigested feed
Inflammatory signs in proventriculus or gizzard

5. Mortality & Culls

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Gradual increase in culls after Day 10
Increased sudden deaths in otherwise healthy birds
Liver damage visible in culled/mortal birds
No obvious infection but overall decline in health

6. Respiratory & Immune Response

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Recurring respiratory signs despite vaccine
Poor vaccine response / serology in previous flocks
Birds take longer to recover from mild disease

7. Feed Storage & Environment

ParameterY/N/MOD/SNotes
Feed with musty smell / clumping
Feed stored for >2 weeks in farm bins
Feed exposed to sunlight or moisture
Wet patches or mold in feed bins

If 4 or more parameters show Moderate or Severe issues:

  • Flag the batch for toxin exposure investigation
  • Initiate sample testing for mycotoxins
  • Recommend supportive intervention (e.g., liver tonics, toxin binders, antioxidant support)

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