Duck gait: Relationship to hip angle, bone ash, bone density, and morphology

Abstract

The rapid growth meat birds, including ducks, undergo requires skeletal integrity; however, fast growth may not be conducive to adequate bone structure. A relationship likely exists between skeletal changes and duck mobility. Reduced mobility in meat ducks may have impacts on welfare and production. This study examined the relationships among gait score, bone parameters, and hip angle. Commercial Pekin ducks, ages 14 d (n = 100), 21 d (n = 100), and 32 d (n = 100) were weighed and gait scored with a 3-point gait score system by an observer as they walked over a Tekscan gait analysis system. Gait was scored as GS0, GS1, or GS2 with a score of GS0 defined as good walking ability and a score of GS2 as poorest walking ability. Ducks were humanely euthanized, full body scanned using quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and the right femur and tibia were extracted. Leg bones were cleaned, measured, fat extracted, and ashed. QCT scans were rendered to create computerized 3D models where pelvic hip angles and bone density were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using PROC MIXED with age and gait score in the model. Body weight increased with age, but within an age, body weight decreased as walking ability became worse (P < 0.01). As expected, linear increases in tibia and femur bone width and length were observed as the ducks aged (P < 0.01). Right and left hip angle increased with duck age (P < 0.01). Additionally, ducks with a GS2 had wider hip angles opposed to ducks with a GS0 (P < 0.01). Bone density increased linearly with both age and gait score (P < 0.05). Femur ash content was lowest in 32-day-old ducks and ducks with GS1 and GS2 (P < 0.0001). Tibia ash content increased with age, but decreased as gait score increased (P < 0.001). The observation that right hip angle changed with gait scores merits further investigation into the relationship between duck mobility and skeletal changes during growth.

Morphological Characterization of Two Light Italian Turkey Breeds

“…The same conclusion was drawn by Robinson [ 29 , 30 ] about duck meat production. Locomotor ability is considered a key point in birds’ welfare in meat production and is assessed using gait score (GS) [ 27 , 29 , 30 ]. The effects of genetic selection on leg bones were described by Nestor et al [ 26 ] who underline that leg bone measurements are less influenced by genetic variation between turkey lines compared with muscling measurements.…”

“…Leg disorders in meat-type poultry are related to reduced welfare and production quantity and quality [ 27 ]. In a recent study describing welfare issues in turkey production, Erasmus [ 29 , 30 ] lists leg and skeletal abnormalities among turkeys’ major welfare issues. The same conclusion was drawn by Robinson [ 29 , 30 ] about duck meat production.…”

“…In a recent study describing welfare issues in turkey production, Erasmus [ 29 , 30 ] lists leg and skeletal abnormalities among turkeys’ major welfare issues. The same conclusion was drawn by Robinson [ 29 , 30 ] about duck meat production. Locomotor ability is considered a key point in birds’ welfare in meat production and is assessed using gait score (GS) [ 27 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Setting research driven duck-welfare standards: a systematic review of Pekin duck welfare research

“…While the topic of duck welfare assessment methodology is outside the scope of this review, it is worth noting that 10 of the 63 reviewed publications addressed questions related to the development and comparison of duck welfare assessment methods ( Campbell et al., 2014 ; Pritchett et al, 2014 ; Makagon et al, 2015 ; Robison et al, 2015 ; Byrd et al, 2016 ; Duggan et al, 2016 ; Duggan et al, 2017 ; Barrett & Blanche, 2019 ; Klambeck et al, 2019 ; Abdelfattah et al, 2020 ). Briefly, duck welfare can be assessed using animal-, resource-, and management-based indicators.…”

Over-processed meat and bone meal and phytase effects on broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis: Part 3. Bone mineralization and litter quality

“…Modern-day broilers have been genetically selected for fast growth but not necessarily for bone strength. It is important that birds are fed to allow maximum bone growth to support the weight of muscle ( Robison et al., 2015 ; Kittelsen et al., 2016 ). The bone is a store of minerals and lipids providing nutrients to the body and produces blood cells that protect the host from infections ( Liu et al., 2003 ; Shim et al., 2012 ; Koppenol et al, 2019 ).…”