Beneath the modern intensive broiler production system lies the often ignored locomotor problems, which are triggered by osteochondrosis, chondrodystrophy, field rickets, torsional and angular deformities and fractures. Studies from the UK have shownthat 3.3% and 27.6% of the broilers are culled due to evident locomotor problems and some signs of walking impairment respectively. Field observations in Brazil have shown that culling of broilers due to locomotor problems is between 1 and 3%. Furthermore, locomotor problems drive the need to address the issue of animal welfare.
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