PROLAPSE IN LAYERS

Prolapse in Layers

Prolapse in laying birds is the eversion of the oviduct and rectal organs through the vent to the extent that the organs don't retract. The condition invariably results in death even if the prolapse is discovered and the organs replaced in position.
Several management practices for use in the rearing stages of the pullet can reduce the incidence of prolapse. The two that possibly have the greatest influence are correct feeding and correct lighting.

Feeding programme

Prolapse is less likely to occur in a bird that is fed correctly. A point-of-lay pullet should have a well developed frame and no excess fat; otherwise it will be a prime target for prolapse.
The mechanics of laying an egg highlight this. When a hen is laying an egg there is a normal eversion of the oviduct. The tissues around the vent are very elastic at point of lay and after the egg is laid everything returns to its original position.
Birds with too much fat build-up have trouble when laying an egg. The elasticity of their tissues is reduced preventing a return to normal position and resulting in blowout or prolapse.
A growing pullet's fat deposit is influenced by her feed. Specially formulated rations for feeding in a controlled manner can be used so pullets are at the correct weight at laying time. Producers should be on continual alert for any excess bodyweight gain in pullets and, if necessary, change the feeding programme.
The modern replacement pullet will not become too fat when some form of quantitative or qualitative controlled feeding is practised during rearing.

Light programme

A carefully chosen light programme helps prevent prolapse. A light programme that encourages egg production too early resulting in over-sized eggs before the muscles of the bird can cope, will also encourage prolapse.
Pullets should be reared on a decreasing or constant light pattern to delay pullet maturity until it is physically able to cope with egg production.

Other causes

Prolapse cannot be blamed entirely on incorrect feed and light. Other factors can be over-crowding, enteritis and physical damage inflicted on the oviduct tissues.

A good percentage of the mortality that is generally ascribed to prolapse is not the result of true prolapse but pullets picking at the slightly everted vent of another bird during egg-laying. The bird becomes a victim of "pickout". Having a correct light intensity of 10 lux at bird height, beak trimming and controlling bird density can prevent this.

Beak trimming can be carried out at any age before lay, depending on the management procedures of the poultry farm. Beaks must be trimmed correctly at housing time in the laying shed. Ideally, less than half the top beak should be removed and the lower beak trimmed back to be slightly longer than the top beak.

Over-crowding is also important and there should be at least one nest for every five to six birds.