Beak Necrosis

Introduction

A condition seen in chickens and turkeys caused by excessively fine mashed feeds.

Signs

• Feed accumulates along edges of lower beak leading to distortion and necrosis of horny tissue.
• Has been associated with curled tongue in turkeys in the past.
• This may also be associated with ulcers in the roof of the mouth (palate) which can be confused with some forms of mycotoxicosis.

Post-mortem lesions

• See signs.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs, exclusion of other causes of similar signs.

Treatment

Not usually sufficiently severe to justify medication. Mild water sanitation may help control secondary infections in the affected tissues.

Prevention

Check feed particle size by granulometry, grind less finely.