AVIAN TIBIAL DYSCHONDROPLASIA AS A CAUSE OF BONE DEFORMITY

The course of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) was followed in 20 broiler fowl fed ad libitum. TD initially developed between 2 and 5 weeks of age in all the birds. Tibial plateau angles (TP-degrees) were measured in the radiographs and used as an assessment of tibial bowing. There was a significant correlation between abnormal TP-degrees and the age of onset, severity and persistence of TD, indicating that TD can be associated with the development of bone deformity in the form of tibial bowing (abnormal TP-degrees). Lameness and abnormal tibiotarsal torsion were only seen in broilers with abnormal TP-degrees; suggesting that altered TP-degrees, may through altered biomechanical loading lead to other bone deformities and can contribute to gait abnormalities.