Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is also known as flip-over disease. Birds show no outward signs of disease but suddenly extend their necks, gasp, or squawk. They flap their wings, typically resulting in the birds flipping over on their backs (hence the name flip-over disease). The majority of the birds affected are males, especially those of the larger breeds. The incidence in a rapidly growing, healthy broiler flock is typically 1% to 4%. With reduced growth rates, the incidence of SDS is considerably lower. The cause of SDS is not clear, but it is believed to be a metabolic disease related to high carbohydrate intake. SDS can occur as early as three days of age and may continue until birds reach market weight. Peak mortality generally occurs when birds are between 12 and 28 days of age. This is due to their unnaturally fast growth rate coupled with their excessively large body mass, relative to the size of their organs---specifically their respiratory system and heart. Heart failure...
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