Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Elevated mortality in a pasture-raised, organic layer flock

Emily M. Frye; Kayla R. Niel; Megan E. Lighty

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2025

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Summary

This case report, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, documents an investigation into unusually high mortality in a pasture-raised organic layer flock. The paper likely presents clinical history, diagnostic workup, and necropsy findings to identify the underlying cause or causes of flock losses. It contributes to the growing body of veterinary literature addressing health challenges specific to alternative, pasture-based poultry production systems.

UK applicability

Although conducted in the United States, the findings are broadly applicable to UK pasture-raised and organic poultry producers, who face comparable management challenges and disease pressures. UK veterinary practitioners and organic certification bodies may find the diagnostic approach and identified risk factors relevant to flock health management guidance.

Key measures

Mortality rate; post-mortem pathological findings; flock health indicators; probable cause of death

Outcomes reported

The study investigated and reported on the causes and contributing factors behind elevated mortality rates observed in a pasture-raised, organically managed layer flock. It likely documents clinical findings, post-mortem pathology, and potential infectious, nutritional, or environmental aetiologies.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Livestock health & disease
Study type
Research
Study design
Case report
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United States
System type
Pasture-based poultry
DOI
10.2460/javma.24.11.0714
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-08i

Topic tags

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