Abstract: Carnitine is injected in-ovo in incubating eggs of poultry in order to improve the well-being of poultry and/or prevent or alleviate ascites. A small amount of carnitine injected in ovo shows an efficacy similar to conventional feeding techniques requiring larger amounts of carnitine.

Abstract: An effective amount of carnitine is administered to broiler type poultry to prevent or alleviate ascites. In the preferred embodiment, a carnitine supplemented diet is fed to broiler type chickens in a feed composition during the phase of rapid tissue accretion where a high oxygen requirement stresses the birds' cardiovascular support system. The feed composition preferably contains between 5 and 1000 ppm of carnitine.

Abstract: An effective amount of carnitine is administered to broiler breeder type poultry to prevent sudden death syndrome. In the preferred embodiment, a carnitine supplemented diet is fed to broiler breeder type chickens in a feed composition during a period of time preceding peak egg production. The feed composition preferably contains between 5 and 1000 ppm of carnitine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the reduction of a toxicity resulting from the use of nicarbazin in fowl during periods of high heat distress. The method involves the administration of phenothiazine during periods of high ambient temperature and/or relative humidity which are concurrent with periods of nicarbabin treatment. The use of phenothiazine during periods of potential heat induced toxicity caused by the administration of nicarbazin results in reduced mortality, higher feed efficiency and higher weight gain than is observed without the use of phenothiazine.

Abstract: A method of reducing respiratory alkalosis (high blood pH) and enhancing productivity (rate of weight gain) in poultry during periods of chronic or acute heat stress (high heat and humidity) involving the steps of supplementing the birds' diet (feedstuffs and/or water) with acids (hydrogen ion donor) and bicarbonate donors (NaHCO.sub.3) or supplementing the birds' drinking water with additional potassium ion (e.g. KCl or K.sub.2 CO.sub.3) and/or ammonium chloride with or without NaHCO.sub.3 and ascorbic acid. The addition of an acid donor as a poultry feed or water additive and the use of additional potassium in the drinking water significantly reduces the alkalosis induced mortality rate and enhances the rate of weight gain (up to 30 percent). By including NaHCO.sub.3 in the feed ration, the rate of gain is further enhanced (an additional 9 percent). The further intention addition of a sodium free, chloride ion donor also promotes increased rate of gain. The use of a H.sub.

Abstract: A method of reducing respiratory alkalosis (high blood pH) and enhanced productivity (rate of weight gain) in poultry during periods of chronic or acute heat stress (high heat and humidity) involving the steps of supplementing the birds' diet (feedstuffs and/or water) with acids (hydrogen ion donor) and bicarbonate donors (NaHCO.sub.3). The addition of an acid donor as a poultry fee or water additive significantly reduces the alkalosis induced mortality rate and enhances the rate of weight gain (up to 30 percent). By including NaHCO.sub.3 in the ration, the rate of gain is further enhanced (an additional 9 percent). The further intentional addition of a sodium free, chloride ion donor also promotes increased rate of gain. The use of a H.sub.2 antagonist (cimetidine) to reduce stomach acid production is also beneficial.