Ectopic cartilaginous and osseous lung nodules induced in the young broiler by inadequate ventilation

The study attempted to induce cartilaginous and osseous nodules in the lungs of young broilers by providing them with inadequate ventilation. In experimental birds there were more nodules than in two groups of control birds, with significantly more occurring in the left lung than in the right. A majority of the nodules were fibrous. Histologically, the lungs of the experimental birds had lesions similar to those seen in an ascites syndrome or with induced hypoxia. In another experiment, when the lungs of healthy adult broiler breeders were examined, more osseous-type nodules were present. Very few nodules were seen in the lungs of wild birds. It was suggested that poor ventilation, similar to that likely to be experienced in some bird accommodation, may increase the development of cartilaginous and osseous nodules in the lungs of broiler chickens.