Research Note: Comparing methods to assess Valgus-Varus deformity in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Valgus-varus deformity (VVD) significantly impacts broiler chicken welfare and health.
• Accurate assessment of VVD prevalence and severity is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of five distinct measurement protocols on tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint angulation in broiler chickens.
• To determine the most reliable method for assessing VVD in broiler chickens.

Main Methods:

• Five protocols were tested: live chickens with femorotibiotarsal joint fixation, dead chickens without fixation, dead chickens with fixation, dissected legs with muscles (no skin), and dissected legs without muscles (intact joints).
• Tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint angulation was measured for each protocol.

Main Results:

• Fixation of the femorotibiotarsal joint significantly reduced joint angulation.
• No significant differences in angulation were observed between live, dead, or dissected legs when fixation was applied.
• Without fixation, angulation was considerably higher, primarily due to lateral leg deviation.

Conclusions:

• Femorotibiotarsal joint fixation is critical for accurate VVD angulation measurement in intact broiler chickens.
• Standardizing measurement protocols with fixation is essential for reliable VVD assessment in research and practice.