Sodium is an essential nutrient for poultry. However, excess levels of sodium in diets for meatbirds may result in pulmonary hypertension, increased mortality, reduced growth rate, increased water consumption, wet droppings, and wet litter.
Consumption of the affected products may have contributed to poultry illness and death, said the feed maker.
It said its customers should call their veterinarian if their animals have experienced adverse health effects while consuming the affected feed.
The products in question were distributed in Iowa, Illinois, and possibly Missouri, said Cargill. The feed was sold under the name NatureWise Meatbird 22% Crumble with product code 91585-40 and lot code 5941181016.
Cargill said it is taking appropriate steps to retrieve all affected products, and is continuing to investigate how the excess levels of sodium in the feed occurred.