When does the risk of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) peak in aging brown layers, and when should lipotropic feed additives be introduced?

Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) is a major metabolic disease in caged brown layers, characterized by excessive fat deposition in the liver, leading to liver rupture, internal hemorrhage, and sudden death. The risk peaks late in the laying cycle (50 to 70 weeks) when prolonged high-energy feed intake combines with the natural decline in estrogen-regulated fat metabolism. High-summer temperatures exacerbate this, as hens reduce activity but retain high-energy metabolic pathways. Preventative action is crucial: lipotropic feed additives containing choline chloride, biotin, vitamin B12, and folic acid should be introduced into the ration by 45 weeks of age. These nutrients act as methyl donors, promoting the synthesis of lipoproteins and accelerating the transport of fat out of the liver cells. Disease management is outlined in the Poultry Encyclopedia, metabolic feed supplements and toxin binders are sold on Poultry Plaza, live layer mandi rates are on Poultry Rates, and healthy commercial flocks are listed on Murghi Mandi.