One of the biggest challenges in addressing signs of loose droppings in poultry is the non-specific nature of its causes. Unlike diseases or pathogens that can be easily identified and treated, loose droppings can result from a range of factors, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. These causes may include management practices, environmental conditions, metabolic issues, and nutritional imbalances.

Environmental factors are key contributors to lose of droppings in poultry. High temperatures inside the shed can cause heat stress, prompting birds to drink more and eat less to regulate their body temperature. This stress damages intestinal integrity, leading to a “leaky gut,” whereas reduced water absorption results in loose droppings. In contrast, during cooler temperatures and high humidity, birds tend to eat more and drink less, which may indicate dysbacteriosis.

Ventilation also plays a crucial role, as poor airflow can raise ammonia levels in the poultry house, particularly in winter. Ammonia levels above 25 ppm negatively impact bird health and productivity, disrupting normal organ function, hindering energy metabolism, promoting cell apoptosis, and damaging the digestive system’s mucosal lining.

Nutrition significantly influences the prevalence of loose droppings in poultry. Fluctuating feed prices lead farmers to seek alternative rations, but various antinutritional components in these alternatives—whether protein- or energy-based—can compromise gut integrity and feed assimilation, resulting in loose droppings. Factors such as diets high in non-starch polysaccharides, Distiller’s Dried Grains (DDGS), soybean meal (SBM) quality, poor fats, and excessive salt and minerals contribute to this issue.

SBM contains antinutritional components that disrupt intestinal homeostasis and reduce nutrient absorption in poultry, primarily due to trypsin inhibitors. Reports indicate that the level of trypsin inhibitors in the diet is linked to outbreaks of rapid feed passage in broilers. Elevated levels in soybean meal suggest that processing conditions were inadequate to reduce trypsin inhibitor content from approximately 40 mg/g to around 2 mg/g.

Loose droppings have substantial economic repercussions for poultry farms, leading to financial challenges from reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and higher feed and medication costs. To mitigate these effects, poultry farmers must adopt strategies that maintain optimal environmental conditions, provide high-quality balanced nutrition, and closely monitor water supply. 

Various phytogenic herbs for poultry or phytogenic feed additives can also reduce the incidence of loose droppings. These natural formulations contain plant secondary metabolites (PSM) that can offer a range of biological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, depending on their concentration and combination.

Conclusion

The poultry sector in India has experienced significant growth, playing a crucial role in addressing the country’s escalating demand for poultry products. However, the onset of loose droppings in poultry flocks presents a complex challenge that jeopardizes bird health and the livelihoods of poultry farmers. 

The economic repercussions of loose droppings on poultry farms are considerable, leading to diminished growth rates, increased mortality rates, and heightened costs associated with feed and medication. 

To alleviate these challenges, poultry farmers must embrace a multifaceted strategy; the application of phytogenic feed additives for poultry has demonstrated potential in preventing non-specific loose droppings in poultry.