Problemas locomotores em frangos de corte

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different bedding materials, new and reused on the incidence of leg weakness in broiler chickens, males and females of two commercial strains. Two experiments were conducted in the Aviary's Experimental College of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados. The first experiment used two types of bedding material, as follows: rice husk and sawdust, (new). In the second experiment were reused litter the first experiment. In each experiment we used 2968 broiler chicks a day allotted in a completely randomized in a 2x2x2 factorial design, consisting of two lines, two sexes, two bedding materials. All birds received feed and water will isonutrient. We evaluated locomotor problems and welfare of birds through the following: assignment of gait score and incidence of valgus and varus, footpad lesions, degeneration, femoral, tibial dyschondroplasia, spondylolisthesis, callus chest. The frequency of birds in the gait score was less than 30% for both new bed and reused, which is in accordance with the requirements of many importing countries. Males had a worse gait score and higher incidence of angular deformities and femoral degeneration, though the correlation between these traits was low. An increase of footpad lesions in reused litter. Rice husk bed and bedding are alternatives to the aviary, but we suggest the adoption of different management strategies when the bed is reused. The evaluation of locomotion through the gait score showed it was not a good indicator of animal welfare.