E-ISSN 2218-6050 | ISSN 2226-4485
 

Case Report


Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report

Hamzah Miftah Amir Othman, Mohamed S Eljadar, Abdulrahman A. Aljali.


Abstract
Background:
Ammonium chloride is widely used in poultry production to manage urinary and metabolic conditions; however, inappropriate dosing can lead to serious metabolic disturbances and increased mortality. This report describes a field outbreak linked to excessive ammonium chloride administration in layer chickens.

Case Description:
A commercial layer flock comprising 5,000 birds experienced elevated mortality, with 138 deaths (2.76%) recorded within a short period. The flock had received an estimated concentration of 5–7 g/l of a commercial ammonium chloride product (ASHIDUR) via drinking water. Clinical evaluation and laboratory findings were consistent with metabolic acidosis, evidenced by hyperchloremia, reduced bicarbonate levels, and significant elevations in hepatic and renal biochemical markers. Gross pathological examination revealed hepatomegaly, renal enlargement, visceral congestion, petechial hemorrhages, and air sacculitis. Mortality decreased markedly following corrective therapy with sodium bicarbonate.

Conclusion:
This case report underscores the risks associated with excessive or unsupervised use of ammonium chloride in layer chickens. Strict adherence to recommended dosing protocols and veterinary oversight is essential to prevent metabolic acidosis and associated organ damage.

Key words: Ammonium chloride; Metabolic acidosis; Toxicity; Pathology; Layers.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Othman HMA, Eljadar MS, Aljali AA. Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(1): 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72


Web Style

Othman HMA, Eljadar MS, Aljali AA. Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/?mno=288245 [Access: February 04, 2026]. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Othman HMA, Eljadar MS, Aljali AA. Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(1): 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Othman HMA, Eljadar MS, Aljali AA. Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Vet. J.. (2026), [cited February 04, 2026]; 16(1): 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



Harvard Style

Othman, H. M. A., Eljadar, . M. S. & Aljali, . A. A. (2026) Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Vet. J., 16 (1), 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



Turabian Style

Othman, Hamzah Miftah Amir, Mohamed S Eljadar, and Abdulrahman A. Aljali. 2026. Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (1), 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



Chicago Style

Othman, Hamzah Miftah Amir, Mohamed S Eljadar, and Abdulrahman A. Aljali. "Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report." Open Veterinary Journal 16 (2026), 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Othman, Hamzah Miftah Amir, Mohamed S Eljadar, and Abdulrahman A. Aljali. "Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report." Open Veterinary Journal 16.1 (2026), 754-757. Print. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Othman, H. M. A., Eljadar, . M. S. & Aljali, . A. A. (2026) Suspected ammonium chloride toxicity causing increased mortality in layer chickens: A case report. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (1), 754-757. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.72