What are the symptoms of heatstroke in ducks? Detailed explanation of prevention and treatment methods
In summer, the climate is hot and humid. Such a climate is unsuitable even for people, and ducks in greenhouses may suffer from heatstroke. If ducks with heatstroke do not receive effective treatment in time, it is very likely to cause a large number of deaths and bring huge economic losses. So what should be done after a duck suffers heatstroke? Let's take a look.
1. Causes of heatstroke
In summer, the weather is hot, and after rain the humidity is relatively high. Ducks living in a hot and humid environment are very prone to heatstroke. Alternatively, if there are no shade facilities in the ducks' activity area, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can also cause heatstroke. A relatively high stocking density in the duck house and poor ventilation make it difficult for the duck flock to dissipate heat, which can also cause heatstroke. Insufficient drinking water and a large amount of bacteria in the pond leading to deterioration of the water body can also cause heatstroke, or ducks may suffer from other diseases or stress responses.
2. Symptoms of heatstroke
After suffering heatstroke, ducks may show increased body temperature, unwillingness to move, open-mouth breathing, spreading their wings to dissipate heat, or unsteady standing, with the head touching the ground or shaking the head. After being driven or startled, they can walk normally again, but before going far they may again show the piglet-like symptoms of the head touching the ground, head shaking, or coma. After diseased ducks die and are dissected, it may be found that their blood does not coagulate easily, and sometimes myocardial hemorrhage may also be found, along with swelling, hemorrhage, and necrosis of the organs. Many farmers judge the above symptoms as avian influenza or gosling plague, so they do not take cooling and heatstroke-prevention measures in time, which often accelerates the death of the ducks.
3. Preventive measures
The duck house should have good ventilation measures. It is best to plant some plants around the enclosure to avoid direct sunlight. Some vine plants can be planted along the walls of the duck house, such as loofah and Boston ivy, which help absorb heat. Before high temperatures arrive, lay shade nets on the roof of the duck house to reduce direct sunlight. Exhaust fans and water curtains can be installed inside the house to lower the temperature inside. During high-temperature periods, disinfection work in the pond must be done well to prevent water quality deterioration, and the ducks' drinking water must be sufficient and clean. During high-temperature periods, vitamin C and electrolytes can be added to the drinking water, or Chinese herbal medicines can be decocted for drinking or mixed into feed, all of which can provide an excellent heatstroke-prevention effect.
4. Treatment methods
When ducks are found to show symptoms of heatstroke, they should be moved to a cool place in time, and given drinking water with added vitamin C and electrolytes. Some antibiotics can also be added to prevent secondary infection. For ducks with severe illness, bloodletting by needle prick can be used on the congested blood vessels of the legs to lower body temperature. Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui can also be mixed with water or feed for feeding, with relatively good results.
The above is an introduction to the symptoms of heatstroke in ducks and the prevention and treatment methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.