Non-infective factors in the aetiology of synovitis in chickens

A study was conducted to elucidate the relative susceptibility of broiler breed birds to synovitis and the relative resistance of laying breed birds to this disease. It was shown that difference in structure and chemical composition of fibrous connective tissue can be associated with this difference in susceptibility. A loose structure of fibrous connective tissue (common in broiler breed birds) appears to predispose to synovitis, whereas a compact structure (common in laying breed birds) can be associated with resistance to synovitis. The most fundamental approach to the synovitis problem would be the breeding of broiler breed birds with a compact structure of fibrous connective tissue. However, this approach does not seem to offer favourable prospects in the near future. For the present, synovitis resistance in broiler parents can be enhanced by practising a management scheme aiming at activation of the birds.