Vandendriessche J., Arnouts S.

Evaluation of the health status of subclinically diseased poultry by the use of blood parameters

The intensive animal production of the last decades was mainly focused on the achievement of maximal production results (eggs, milk and meat). In recent years the European consumer has expressed his concern towards animal welfare and food safety. The intensive animal production is forced to produce a high quality product with special attention towards animal health and food safety. Growth, production quality and animal welfare are influenced by subclinical multifactorial diseases and stress. The common veterinary diagnostic techniques (autopsy, histology ...) are therefore not always useful to screen the health status of the animal. Other diagnostic bloodparameters for example biochemical enzymes and acute phase proteins, can be an alternative option. Especially in poultry, little is known about the value of blood parameters in the screening of the animal's health.

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