Clinical signs and gross lesions

Vitamin E deficiency in chickens affects the brain, causing degeneration, oedema and haemorrhage, especially in the small brain (cerebellum).
Affected young chicks appear unable to walk, they fall on their sides or stand with their heads between their legs. The cerebellum shows gross swelling, with yellow or brown discoloration and pinpoint haemorrhages may be observed. Encephalomalacia can also be found in mature chickens.

Treatment and control

Adequate levels of vitamin E and selenium in the diet of chickens and their parent breeders is of prime importance. Treatment of affected birds with vitamin E preparations (alpha-tocopherol) is effective if the condition is not too far advanced.