Prevalence of leg weakness in broiler chickens and its relationship with genotype.

摘要: A method for measuring the prevalence of leg weakness by assessing walking ability broilers was developed. Walking divided into six categories, from completely normal to immobile. The found give consistent results when performed same people. In a survey commercial, intensively reared broilers, 90 per cent had detectable gait abnormality and 26 suffered an sufficient severity their welfare be considered compromised. in free range three commercial breeds determined. indicated that genetic factors were important cause also identified possible relationship between liveweight weakness.