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Incidence of pendulous crop is low in flocks of chickens and turkeys. The crop is visibly distended and contains foul-smelling fluid, feed, and litter. Digestion is impaired, and afflicted birds become thin or emaciated. If these birds survive, they often are condemned at processing.
The etiology is not known, but a hereditary predisposition has been suggested in turkeys. Incidence may increase with excessive water consumption during hot weather and, experimentally, by feeding rations that contain cerelose as a substitute for starch. There is no known efficacious treatment.
See Also:
Ascites Syndrome
Breast Blisters
Cannibalism
Fluke Infections
Gout
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