Leg Weakness Pathology in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to make a review on the literature concerning the incidence of some major pathologies of leg skeleton in broiler chickens and broiler breeders, related to poor animal welfare. On the basis of data on the incidence of leg skeletal pathology published by us and by other researchers, this review goes through some reports on femoral head necrosis (FHN), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), rupture of the gastrocnemius tendon (RGT) and rickets. The welfare of broiler chickens and breeder flocks continues to be closely related to leg skeletal pathology. Although some reports establish that most abnormalities related to legs in chickens were largely overcome by selection work and improvement of production systems by the end of the 20 th century, the problems still occupy an important place in broiler production.Apart published literature data, own results from the last decade (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011) were also used.

Comparison of flock characteristics, journey duration and pathology between flocks with a normal and a high percentage of broilers ‘dead-on-arrival’ at abattoirs

“…In addition, the 364 reason for a higher DOA % related to trauma in the normal-mortality group needs 365 further investigation in the future. It has been reported that birds with heavy tibial 366 dyschondroplasia (TD) are predisposed to fractures during catching and 367 transportation (Dinev, 2012). However, none of the broilers in our study exhibited TD 368 along with fractures or hemorrhages.…”

Effect of eggshell temperature throughout incubation on broiler hatchling leg bone development

“…At slaughter age, leg problems (pathologies that re sult in impaired walking ability), such as tibial dyschondroplasia, rickets, and femoral head necrosis, are highly prevalent in broiler chickens (reviewed by Dinev, 2012). These leg problems constitute a welfare problem and result in economic losses.…”

Pathomorphological Investigations on the Incidence of Axial Skeleton Pathology Associated with Posterior Paralysis in Commercial Broiler Chickens

“…These include a number of cases related to deficiency or infectious etiology, as well as specific forms of rickets, femoral head necrosis, rupture of the gastrocnemius tendon (Dinev, 2008(Dinev, , 2009(Dinev, , 2012. Data on axial skeleton abnormalities, mostly spondylolisthesis and scoliosis, which could be asymptomatic, can be found in separate reports.…”