As a treatment for sick and injured cage birds
the unique formula provides energy to birds
that won't eat due to poor health. The physical
condition of the sick or injured bird often
deteriorates while diagnosis and treatment are
begun. Nutritional support is used in all animals
to "buy time" to allow medicines to work or
surgery to be performed, but in birds this is
especially important.
Poor health and deficient nutrient
According to Dr Gestier, poor health and
nutrient deficit go hand in hand. Disease,
stress, injury, shipping and chilling can cause a
bird to be in "negative nutrient balance".
Appetite is reduced in all ill birds, adding to the
deficit of energy and protein. "Birds use
tremendous amounts of energy, and when
appetite diminishes, this energy quickly falls
into short supply, the bird then breaks down
it's muscle tissue to obtain energy causing it to
become thin and weak" he explained. "This is
especially a problem in young or severely
stressed birds that do not have reserves to fall
back on". POLY-AID PLUS, however,
effectively provides the bird with more energy
and prevents muscle tissue from wasting away.
The secret
The secret to the energy supply in
POLY-AID PLUS is the use of special
polymers called maltodextrins. "These
long chains of glucose break down
slowly in the birds stomach to release
glucose units for absorption and
energy" said Dr Gestier. This supply of
energy prevents the bird from drawing
on it's own muscle tissue to keep
organs like the liver and brain
functioning.
Contains Maltodextrins, amino
acids, vitamins, minerals and salts
Maltodextrins are not the only
beneficial ingredient in this first aid
formula. The supplement also contains
amino acids ( the building blocks of
protein ) that are readily absorbed by
the bird's digestive system and are used
to build muscle again. Added vitamins,
minerals and salts are included to assist
the bird to utilise the proteins and
calories provided by POLY-AID PLUS.
The aim of the product
Dr. Gestier said that this powdered formula
was devised with the aim of producing a
concentrated energy source without upsetting
the gut. Due to the slow release of glucose
molecules from the Maltodextrins the
diarrhoea associated with ordinary glucose
supplements does not occur. The Vetafarm
team drew on research work done in human
endurance athletes to devise the perfect
formula for avicultural first aid.
The key is early intervention
"Early intervention is the key to successful
treatment of birds" said Dr Gestier.
“Nutritional support must be given as soon as
POLY-AID PLUS : The Mainstay of First Aid in Birds
" The mainstay of first aid in birds" is how Dr. Tony Gestier,
veterinarian at the Vetafarm Research Facility in Wagga Wagga,
Australia, describes Vetafarm's protein and energy supplement,
POLY-AID PLUS.
possible in the illness to prevent the bird
becoming emaciated". POLY-AID PLUS
should not be considered a drug or a
specific cure for disease, it is used to keep
the bird alive long enough to allow
birdkeepers and veterinarians to diagnose
the problem and begin treatment. Although
this product will not fix disease, by
supporting the bird with energy and protein
the birds own defence mechanisms can
often overcome the problem.
Longer term force feeding of birds can be
done with POLY-AID PLUS and Hand
rearing Food. Birds that are in hospital
boxes often require long term feeding with
highly digestible foods rich in energy,
protein and vitamins.
Dr Gestier suggested that all birdkeepers
should learn to crop feed birds so that good
nutrition is not neglected in sick birds.
VETAFARM
Office Address: 3 Bye Street Wagga Wagga NSW, 2650 AUSTRALIA
Postal Address: PO BOX 5244 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 AUSTRALIA
Phone (ISD+61) 2 69 256222 Fax (ISD+61) 2 69 256333
email: vetafarm@vetafarm.com.au
Web Address: www.vetafarm.com.au
