Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 May 2014
The purpose of the present review is to examine the available data on the prevalence of some major axial skeleton pathologies in broiler chickens, which have a negative effect on welfare Data from literature and from our own research on the incidence of spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, spondylitis and scoliosis are included. Although it has a lesser extent on welfare compared to other skeletal abnormalities (mainly associated with leg problems), the axial skeleton pathology has a definite impact on broiler chicken flocks. Although some reports claim that skeletal abnormalities in broilers chickens are related to the genetic background of the birds and can be decreased by selection, they are still an important cause of pathology cases in the broiler chicken industry. The analysis of available literature has suggested that the prevailing axial skeleton abnormality in commercial broiler chickens was spondylolisthesis, followed by spondylosis, spondylitis and scoliosis.