Managing Mortality in Poultry: From Observation to Nutritional Support

In our previous mortality blog, we discussed what normal mortality patterns look like in broilers and laying hens, and which factors can cause a sudden increase in mortality. While management and biosecurity remain the foundation, targeted nutrition and feed additives provide essential support in reducing mortality risk and improving flock resilience.

From Alarm Signal to Action

An increase in mortality is rarely caused by a single factor. Gut health disturbances, reduced feed intake, immune suppression and environmental stress often interact. Especially in the first weeks of life, birds are vulnerable and have limited capacity to compensate.

This makes early nutritional support essential. Not only when mortality is already elevated, but also when birds are under pressure and problems are likely to develop.

Prevention before Correction

Once mortality rises sharply, corrective actions are often costly and have limited impact. Prevention remains the most effective approach. This includes solid management, strict biosecurity, accurate record keeping and nutritional support aligned with the birds’ physiological needs.

Feed additives and premixes do not replace management. They support birds where management alone cannot fully prevent health challenges and help reduce the risk of mortality peaks by strengthening resilience.

Stress, Intake Reduction and Nutritional Support

Noninfectious stressors such as heat stress, ventilation issues or feed disruptions often result in reduced feed and water intake. At the same time, nutrient requirements increase. This imbalance directly affects resilience, performance and survival.

Targeted nutritional interventions during these periods help limit the negative effects of stress. Water soluble solutions, electrolytes and easily available nutrients can support intake and physiological stability.

Vitaprix is a water soluble vitamin supplement, used during stress events such as vaccination, disease or reduced feed intake, when vitamin requirements are higher while vitamin intake via feed is reduced.

During periods of heat stress, Heat Champ supports birds in maintaining feed intake and physiological balance under high ambient temperatures.

Gut Health as a Central Pillar

Many infectious causes of mortality originate in the intestinal tract. A disturbed gut microbiota or damaged gut wall increases the risk of secondary infections such as E.coli or necrotic enteritis and reduces nutrient absorption.

Supporting gut health therefore directly contributes to resilience and mortality control. Both microbial balance and gut wall integrity are crucial, especially during periods of dietary change, disease pressure or environmental stress.

Champ Acid contains organic acids with a strong antimicrobial effect, helping to suppress the growth of gram-negative bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and improving gut health resilience.

M-Active Poultry supports a strong and balanced gut health. Its blend of medium chain fatty acids helps control gram positive bacteria, supporting intestinal integrity, resilience and overall performance, without relying on antibiotics.

Conclusion

Managing mortality starts with observation, management and biosecurity. Nutritional support adds an additional layer by helping birds cope with stress, maintain intake and support gut health. When applied at the right moment, targeted solutions such as Vitaprix, Heat Champ, Champ Acid and M-Active Poultry help strengthen flock resilience and reduce the risk that temporary challenges develop into mortality peaks.