--- In CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com, CathrynTherese Fitch Walden <cathryntherese@...> wrote:
>
> Renee, Ascites. Their hearts could not keep up so fluid built up inside and
> drowned them in their own fluids. A common affliction of meat birds. As soon as
> you see a meat bird in distress, acting like it can't breathe, get it butchered
> and dressed out. The birds were most likely picked at by the other meat birds.
> Cathryn
Cathryn is correct as usual. Ascites is pH associated - specifically acidity. In many animals that have a lot of muscle, acidity builds and is difficult to control. In some animals or people it can lead to depleted pH buffers which can lead to Ascites, lowered immunity, changes in behavior, changes in metabolism, liver & kidney disfunction leading to liver & kidney disease and on it goes.
Part of the problem that Cathryn mentioned with the heart is that every beat of the hear requires sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium for the electrical current. Any time there is a major change in one of these elements, it will shift the other 3 elements as well. Ascites is primarily potassium/magnesium imbalance due to systematic acidity. In humans effective treatment includes these 2 minerals.
Keep in mind that for many nutrients that the body has extra stores for use when needed. In breeds that have bred to the extreme, usually there is some negative impact. With muscling and the resulting increase in muscle(muscle is protein which is made of amino acids) and the resulting Lactic Acid output, consuming enough protein to maintain muscle and enough minerals to buffer/balance the acid becomes a challange. It is difficult to achieve proper mineral consumption and it is difficult for the required organs to process such a large volume of substances.
Enjoy a safe & joyous day.
Jeff Price
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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