Avian tibial dyschondroplasia as a cause of bone deformity

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Abstract
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°) were measured in the radiographs and used as an assessment of tibial bowing. There was a significant correlation between abnormal TP° 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°). Lameness and abnormal tibiotarsal torsion were only seen in broilers with abnormal TP°; suggesting that altered TP°, may through altered biomechanical loading lead to other bone deformities and can contribute to gait abnormalities.