A SURVEY OF SKELETAL DISORDERS IN 5 TURKEY FLOCKS IN SASKATCHEWAN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (3) , 275-279
Abstract
Losses due to skeletal disorders varied from 1.8 to 6.1% in 5 flocks of broad-breasted, white, tom turkeys, varying in size from 2040 to 7033 birds. Very little evidence of significant airsacculitis due to Mycoplasma meleagridis was found in hatching poults or during the growing period. Major disorders causing the losses included rickets, rotated tibia, arthritis/osteomyelitis and long bone distortion. Rickets and arthritis/osteomylitis due to infection with Staphylococcus aureus were significant problems only in 1 flock each, while rotated tibia caused significant losses in 3 flocks. Long bone distortion was the major cause of economic loss and occurred in all flocks. Possible causes of long bone distortion are briefly discussed.