Skeletal disorders in the fowl: a review

Selection pressure for production traits in modern lines of poultry has placed increasing demands on skeletal integrity. Disruption of the normal process of skeletal growth and homeostasis results in bone diseases that are manifest throughout the modern poultry industry. Bone conditions in poultry can be grouped under three headings based on the age and type of fowls affected, and are indicative of the genetic and production stresses applied to the skeleton. In broilers during growth it is primarily pathologies of the growth plate that lead to most skeletal disorders. In broiler and turkey breeding stock the progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage results in osteoarthrosis, lameness and a consequential loss of reproductive performance. In laying hens bone fragility is most frequently the result of osteoporosis. Before attempting to determine the aetiology of a skeletal disorder an accurate diagnosis must be made. Only then can short- and long-term strategies be developed for the prevention and control of skeletal disorders. Diagnosis requires gross and histological examination, and also dietary, environmental and management analyses. The pathology often reflects lesions initiated when the bird was considerably younger and analyses must extend to assessing the factors prevalent during the initiation of lesions. Current studies are furthering the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of avian skeletal disorders. For example, structural bone loss at the onset of follicular activity before egg-laying is pivotal to the development of osteoporosis in layers and deficiencies in growth factor expression are integral to the development of tibial dyschondroplasia.