Hepatic lipidosis in turkeys : beyond the current pathogenetic hypothesis

Hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a condition described in young turkey hens and characterized by enlarged livers mottled by pale yellow areas. Histologically, the main feature is fatty degeneration associated with necrosis and haemorrhage. The cause of HL is uncertain although nutritional and metabolic factors are suspected. Over a period of 2 years, we observed 5 cases of a hepatopathy with gross and microscopic changes consistent with HL. Two of these cases affected turkey breeder hens of 12 and 21 weeks. Interestingly, another case was observed at sloughterhouse in 20 weeks commercial male turkeys, whereas 2 cases involved commercial poults of 8 and 26 days. An histochemical approach could better detail this condition and help speculating about its pathogenesis.