Equilibrium condition during locomotion and gait in broiler chickens

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating a methodology to estimate the angulation and equilibrium condition, relating them to gait score and the main diseases of the locomotion system in males and females of commercial broiler strains. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2x2) was applied, consisting of two sexes and two genetic strains, with five replicates of 53 chickens each. The following characteristics related to broiler locomotion were studied: gait score (GS); incidence of Valgus (VAL) and Varus (VAR) deformities and of pododermatitis (POD); body angle relative the ground (ANG); equilibrium condition (EC); body weight (BW) and breast weight (BrW); and incidence of femoral degeneration (FD), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and spondylolisthesis (SPO). GS, and VAL and VAR were assessed inside a broiler house. Birds were then photographed to estimate ANG and EC. Birds were sacrificed at 42 days of age and analyzed for FD, TD, and SPO. Breast percentage was not influenced by sex or strain. Males showed better ANG than females, regardless of strain. Overall, the strains studied showed prostrated EC. The correlation between GS and the evaluated traits was low. There was a moderate to high association between EC and ANG both in males and females. GS showed low correlation with locomotion problems, and therefore, it is a poor indicator of skeletal diseases. On the other hand, the moderate to high correlations of ANG and EC with locomotion problems make them better indicators of bone diseases than gait score, which is possibly more related to EC and body posture than to bone pathologies.

Equilibrium condition during locomotion and gait in broiler chickens

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating a methodology to estimate the angulation and equilibrium condition, relating them to gait score and the main diseases of the locomotion system in males and females of commercial broiler strains. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2x2) was applied, consisting of two sexes and two genetic strains, with five replicates of 53 chickens each. The following characteristics related to broiler locomotion were studied: gait score (GS); incidence of Valgus (VAL) and Varus (VAR) deformities and of pododermatitis (POD); body angle relative the ground (ANG); equilibrium condition (EC); body weight (BW) and breast weight (BrW); and incidence of femoral degeneration (FD), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and spondylolisthesis (SPO). GS, and VAL and VAR were assessed inside a broiler house. Birds were then photographed to estimate ANG and EC. Birds were sacrificed at 42 days of age and analyzed for FD, TD, and SPO. Breast percentage was not influenced by sex or strain. Males showed better ANG than females, regardless of strain. Overall, the strains studied showed prostrated EC. The correlation between GS and the evaluated traits was low. There was a moderate to high association between EC and ANG both in males and females. GS showed low correlation with locomotion problems, and therefore, it is a poor indicator of skeletal diseases. On the other hand, the moderate to high correlations of ANG and EC with locomotion problems make them better indicators of bone diseases than gait score, which is possibly more related to EC and body posture than to bone pathologies.(AU)

Photogrammetry: a non-invasive and objective method for detecting locomotion problems in broiler chickens

Locomotion problems in broiler chickens can cause economic losses of up to 40% of the total revenues due to carcass condemnation and downgrading at processing. Leg disorders, such as femoral lesions, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis, substantially impact the welfare of chickens as these disorders can prevent birds from reaching the feeders and drinkers, thus reducing feed and water intake. The most important issues related to broiler welfare reported in the last two decades are their growing sensitivity to metabolic and locomotion problems due to the fast growth rates and inactivity. Traditional methods for the determination of gait score include the manual scoring of animal behavior in the broiler house. Recorded video images can also be used for manual scoring of chicken gait score. However, scoring of some animal-based information by human experts and manual methods remain difficult, time consuming and expensive when implemented at farm level. In an effort to objectively detect leg disorders, this study aimed at validating the photogrammetry technique as a non-invasive method for identifying locomotion problems in broilers. Photogrammetry allows determining the geometric properties of broilers from digital photos that are processed and analyzed using a computer software. Results obtained using photogrammetry were tested for their correlation with those obtained by accepted methodologies, including gait score and macroscopic examination of femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. The photogrammetry results agreed with the results of the afore mentioned accepted methods.

Photogrammetry: a non-invasive and objective method for detecting locomotion problems in broiler chickens

Locomotion problems in broiler chickens can cause economic losses of up to 40% of the total revenues due to carcass condemnation and downgrading at processing. Leg disorders, such as femoral lesions, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis, substantially impact the welfare of chickens as these disorders can prevent birds from reaching the feeders and drinkers, thus reducing feed and water intake. The most important issues related to broiler welfare reported in the last two decades are their growing sensitivity to metabolic and locomotion problems due to the fast growth rates and inactivity. Traditional methods for the determination of gait score include the manual scoring of animal behavior in the broiler house. Recorded video images can also be used for manual scoring of chicken gait score. However, scoring of some animal-based information by human experts and manual methods remain difficult, time consuming and expensive when implemented at farm level. In an effort to objectively detect leg disorders, this study aimed at validating the photogrammetry technique as a non-invasive method for identifying locomotion problems in broilers. Photogrammetry allows determining the geometric properties of broilers from digital photos that are processed and analyzed using a computer software. Results obtained using photogrammetry were tested for their correlation with those obtained by accepted methodologies, including gait score and macroscopic examination of femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. The photogrammetry results agreed with the results of the afore mentioned accepted methods.(AU)

Physiological and biochemical findings in Mangalarga Marchador horses during official competition of marcha / Determinação das variáveis fisiológicas e bioquímicas de equinos Mangalarga Marchador durante prova oficial de marcha

We evaluated the gait competition effects on some physiological and biochemical parameters in Mangalarga-Marchador horses, and compared these findings between two gait types (marcha picada and marcha batida). Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), lactatemia, and glycemia were measured in 18 athlete male horses subdivided in two categories (Júnior and Jovem). Each category was comprised of five and four animals performing marcha picada and marcha batida, respectively. The variables were measured 60 minutes before (T0), and one (T1), five (T2) and ten (T3) minutes after the competition. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukeys test considering significance level at P=0.05. The HR and RT increased significantly on T1, and from T1 to T3, respectively, when compared to T0 in all groups except one (Júnior category, marcha picada). There was no significant changes between groups. We conclude that all horses were well trained and conditioned to perform the competition. Also, the same conditioning level is necessary to perform marcha picada or marcha batida.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da prova de marcha nas variáveis fisiológicas e bioquímicas de equinos e compará-los entre os dois tipos de marcha (picada e batida). Aferiu-se a frequência cardíaca (FC), temperatura retal (TR), lactatemia e glicemia de 18 cavalos atletas, Mangalarga Marchadores, machos, divididos nas categorias de Cavalo Júnior e Cavalo Jovem. Em cada uma destas, cinco animais realizaram marcha picada e quatro realizaram marcha batida. Os dados foram coletados 60 minutos antes da prova (T0), um (T1), cinco (T2) e dez minutos (T3) após o término desta. Os dados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com nível de probabilidade de 5%, e para as diferenças entre as médias utilizou-se o Teste de Tukey (p<=0,05). Observou-se aumento significativo apenas da FC no T1 e da TR nos T1 a T3, exceto em Júnior Marcha Picada. Não houve diferença significativa entre as marchas. Conclui-se que os equinos estavam aptos para exercer tais provas e que a execução da marcha picada ou da batida exigiu o mesmo condicionamento físico.(AU)

Physiological and biochemical findings in Mangalarga Marchador horses during official competition of marcha / Determinação das variáveis fisiológicas e bioquímicas de equinos Mangalarga Marchador durante prova oficial de marcha

We evaluated the gait competition effects on some physiological and biochemical parameters in Mangalarga-Marchador horses, and compared these findings between two gait types (marcha picada and marcha batida). Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), lactatemia, and glycemia were measured in 18 athlete male horses subdivided in two categories (Júnior and Jovem). Each category was comprised of five and four animals performing marcha picada and marcha batida, respectively. The variables were measured 60 minutes before (T0), and one (T1), five (T2) and ten (T3) minutes after the competition. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukeys test considering significance level at P=0.05. The HR and RT increased significantly on T1, and from T1 to T3, respectively, when compared to T0 in all groups except one (Júnior category, marcha picada). There was no significant changes between groups. We conclude that all horses were well trained and conditioned to perform the competition. Also, the same conditioning level is necessary to perform marcha picada or marcha batida.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da prova de marcha nas variáveis fisiológicas e bioquímicas de equinos e compará-los entre os dois tipos de marcha (picada e batida). Aferiu-se a frequência cardíaca (FC), temperatura retal (TR), lactatemia e glicemia de 18 cavalos atletas, Mangalarga Marchadores, machos, divididos nas categorias de Cavalo Júnior e Cavalo Jovem. Em cada uma destas, cinco animais realizaram marcha picada e quatro realizaram marcha batida. Os dados foram coletados 60 minutos antes da prova (T0), um (T1), cinco (T2) e dez minutos (T3) após o término desta. Os dados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com nível de probabilidade de 5%, e para as diferenças entre as médias utilizou-se o Teste de Tukey (p<=0,05). Observou-se aumento significativo apenas da FC no T1 e da TR nos T1 a T3, exceto em Júnior Marcha Picada. Não houve diferença significativa entre as marchas. Conclui-se que os equinos estavam aptos para exercer tais provas e que a execução da marcha picada ou da batida exigiu o mesmo condicionamento físico.

Comparação entre as medidas morfométricas de equinos Mangalarga Marchador de marcha batida e marcha picada / Comparison between the morphometric measures of Mangalarga Marchador horses of batida marcha and picada marcha

The present study aimed to compare the morphometric measurements of Mangalarga Marchador horses of batida and picada marcha. Twenty-two linear and eight angular measurements of 222 males (130 of batida marcha and 92 of picada marcha) and 266 females (168 of batida marcha and 98 picada marcha) were compared in a completely randomized design, consisting of two treatments: horses of batida and picada marcha. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Fisher test (P<0.05). It was concluded that most of the measures of Mangalarga Marchador horses of batida and picada marcha have similar values, however, there are differences between some angles of members.(AU)

Miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral no tratamento de harpejamento bilateral em equino: relato de caso / Digital lateral myotenectomy for the treatment of bilateral stringhalt in a horse: case report / Sección del tendón en el extensor lateral del dígito como tratamiento del arpeo bilateral en un equino: relato de caso

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a resposta clínica de um equino com harpejamento bilateral após o procedimento de miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral. Foi atendido no HCV-URCAMP de Bagé-RS, um equino apresentando hiperflexão involuntária bilateral do tarso de início súbito. O caso foi diagnosticado como harpejamento do tipo australiano, devido à ausência de lesões ortopédicas e a presença de H. radicata no exame do ambiente. Por não apresentar resposta às condutas de manejo e terapia medicamentosa, foi realizada a miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral. O grau de harpejamento foi reduzido de 5 para 2 no membro operado, não sendo percebido ao passo. Sendo assim, após 2 meses foi realizada a mesma cirurgia no outro membro, o que resultou na ausência dos sinais clínicos. Apesar da regressão nestes casos ser geralmente espontânea, a cirurgia pode precipitar a melhora clínica, que neste caso foi de 2 meses.

The aim of this paper was to report the clinical response of a horse with bilateral stringhalt afierthe digital lateral myotenectomy procedure. Was assisted in the Veterinary Hospital ofthe URCAMP University, in Bagé city, Brazil, a horse presenting involuntary bilateral hyperflexion of the tarsus, with sudden onset.The case was diagnosed as Australian stringhalt, due to the absent of orthopedic lesions and the presenceof H. radicata plant, in the environment exam. By not show positive response to the change in managementor drug therapy, was choosed the surgical procedure of digital lateral myotenectomy, as treatment option.The stringhalt grade was reduced from 5 to 2 in the operated limb, no more seen in the walk. Thus, twomonths afier, the same surgery was performed in the other hind limb, what resulted in the absent of theclinical signs. Beside the regression in these cases commonly occurs spontaneously, the surgery mayanticipate the clinical improvement, which in this case was in two months.

Ese trabajo tuvo por objetivo relatar la resposta clinica de un equino con arpeo bilateral,después de haberse realizado sección dei tendón dei extensor lateral dei dígito. Fue atendido no HCV -URCAMP de Bagé, RS - Brasil, un equino con hiperflexion involuntaria bilateral dei tarso con inicio muyrápido. EI caso se diagnosticó como arpeo dei tipo australiano, debido a ausencia de lesiones ortopédicas y por encontrarse Ia H. radicata en el examen dei ambiente. Por no tener respuesta a Ias disposiciones demanejo o terapias medicamentosas, se realizó Ia sección dei tendón dei extensor lateral de dígito. EI gradode Ia hiperflexion hubo reducción de 5 hasta 2 en el miembro cirujado, sin notarse más esa senal ai paso. Pasados 2 meses, se realizó Ia misma operación en el otro miembro, resultando en Ia ausencia de Iassefiaíes de Ia hiperflexion. Mientras tanto Ia regresión en estos casos ocurrir naturalmente, Ia cirugía puede adelantar una mejora dei animal, que en este caso fue de 2 meses.

Miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral no tratamento de harpejamento bilateral em equino: relato de caso / Digital lateral myotenectomy for the treatment of bilateral stringhalt in a horse: case report / Sección del tendón en el extensor lateral del dígito como tratamiento del arpeo bilateral en un equino: relato de caso

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a resposta clínica de um equino com harpejamento bilateral após o procedimento de miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral. Foi atendido no HCV-URCAMP de Bagé-RS, um equino apresentando hiperflexão involuntária bilateral do tarso de início súbito. O caso foi diagnosticado como harpejamento do tipo australiano, devido à ausência de lesões ortopédicas e a presença de H. radicata no exame do ambiente. Por não apresentar resposta às condutas de manejo e terapia medicamentosa, foi realizada a miotenectomia do extensor digital lateral. O grau de harpejamento foi reduzido de 5 para 2 no membro operado, não sendo percebido ao passo. Sendo assim, após 2 meses foi realizada a mesma cirurgia no outro membro, o que resultou na ausência dos sinais clínicos. Apesar da regressão nestes casos ser geralmente espontânea, a cirurgia pode precipitar a melhora clínica, que neste caso foi de 2 meses. (AU)

The aim of this paper was to report the clinical response of a horse with bilateral stringhalt afierthe digital lateral myotenectomy procedure. Was assisted in the Veterinary Hospital ofthe URCAMP University, in Bagé city, Brazil, a horse presenting involuntary bilateral hyperflexion of the tarsus, with sudden onset.The case was diagnosed as Australian stringhalt, due to the absent of orthopedic lesions and the presenceof H. radicata plant, in the environment exam. By not show positive response to the change in managementor drug therapy, was choosed the surgical procedure of digital lateral myotenectomy, as treatment option.The stringhalt grade was reduced from 5 to 2 in the operated limb, no more seen in the walk. Thus, twomonths afier, the same surgery was performed in the other hind limb, what resulted in the absent of theclinical signs. Beside the regression in these cases commonly occurs spontaneously, the surgery mayanticipate the clinical improvement, which in this case was in two months.(AU)

Ese trabajo tuvo por objetivo relatar la resposta clinica de un equino con arpeo bilateral,después de haberse realizado sección dei tendón dei extensor lateral dei dígito. Fue atendido no HCV -URCAMP de Bagé, RS - Brasil, un equino con hiperflexion involuntaria bilateral dei tarso con inicio muyrápido. EI caso se diagnosticó como arpeo dei tipo australiano, debido a ausencia de lesiones ortopédicas y por encontrarse Ia H. radicata en el examen dei ambiente. Por no tener respuesta a Ias disposiciones demanejo o terapias medicamentosas, se realizó Ia sección dei tendón dei extensor lateral de dígito. EI gradode Ia hiperflexion hubo reducción de 5 hasta 2 en el miembro cirujado, sin notarse más esa senal ai paso. Pasados 2 meses, se realizó Ia misma operación en el otro miembro, resultando en Ia ausencia de Iassefiaíes de Ia hiperflexion. Mientras tanto Ia regresión en estos casos ocurrir naturalmente, Ia cirugía puede adelantar una mejora dei animal, que en este caso fue de 2 meses. (AU)

Eletrólitos e biomarcadores sanguíneos em equinos submetidos ao teste padrão de simulação de marcha

O teste padrão de simulação de marcha (TSM) tem sido regularmente utilizado como método de avaliação do condicionamento físico dos cavalos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o condicionamento físico por meio dos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos que refletiram à adaptação dos cavalos marchadores durante o TSM. Foram utilizados 16 cavalos, clinicamente sadios, das raças Campolina e Mangalarga Marchador, de ambos os sexos, com idade média de seis anos e meio. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas com os animais em jejum (T0), após 10 minutos ao passo (T1), 15 minutos em marcha (T2 ), depois da virada, 15 minutos em marcha (T3 ) e após 15 minutos ao passo (T4). Foram analisados: freqüência cardíaca (FC), hematócrito, [Glicose], [Lactato] , [PPT] , [Ca 2+ ], [P + ], [Cl - ], [K + ], [Na + ], [Mg 2+ ] , [Triglicérides], [Colesterol Total], [Glutamina] e [Glutamato]. Os resultados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com um e dois fatores, com P<0,05 e quando necessário o Teste de Holm - Sidak, com P<0,05. Após as análises observou - se que a velocidade média dos cavalos foi de 3,03 m/s e o grupo condicionado apresentou [Glicose] e [Lactato] superior aos não condicionados. Também se observou elevação na [PPT] e Hematócrito em T4 no TSM. Entre os eletrólitos, observou-se redução na [Ca 2+ ] e elevação nas [P+] e [K+] ao longo do TSM. Houve elevação nos [Triglicerides] e a FC elevou-se significativamente durante o exercício, mas ainda assim, dentro dos limites aceitos para o exercício aeróbico. Concluindo que a marcha é um exercício aeróbico que produz alterações no metabolismo energético de modo a disponibilizar energia por longo período de exercício e causa mudanças na concentração de alguns eletrólitos no sangue.

The standard four - beat gaited simulation test (TSM) had been used to evaluate four - b eat gaited horses ́s fitness levels . The objectives of this research were evaluated adaptation of blood electrolytes and biomarkers in equine submitted to TSM. It was used 16 horses (Campolina n=8 and Mangalarga-Marchador n=8), males and females, Age ~6,6 years-old. Blood samples were collected in: fasting (T0), immediately after the warm - up (T1), after 15 (T3) and 30 (T4) min of “marcha” phase and 15 mi n after recovery period (T5). It was collected: heat rate (FC), [Glucose], [Lactate], [TPP], Hematocrit, [Ca2+], [P+], [Cl-], [K+], [Na+], [Mg2+], [Triglycerides], [Total Cholesterol Total], [Glutamine] e [Glutamate]. Also it was measured horses' speed and distance. Results were analysed by one - and two - way ANOVA and post hoc Holm-Sidak test, with P<0.05. Horses did TSM at ~ 3.03 m/s, and fit horses had higher [Glucose] and [Lactate] when compared with unfit group (P<0.05). In addition, [TPP] and Hematocrit were higher in T4. [Ca2+] decreased and [P+] and [K+] elevated during the TSM (P<0.05). [Triglyceride] changed significantly but not [T-Cholesterol]. Finally, HR changes but were inside the higher limit to HR for aerobic exercise. In conclusion, "marcha" or four-beat gait is a typical aerobic exercise and produce metabolic adaptation to support horse’s energetic metabolism and electrolyte concentration in the blood.

Eletrólitos e biomarcadores sanguíneos em equinos submetidos ao teste padrão de simulação de marcha

O teste padrão de simulação de marcha (TSM) tem sido regularmente utilizado como método de avaliação do condicionamento físico dos cavalos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o condicionamento físico por meio dos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos que refletiram à adaptação dos cavalos marchadores durante o TSM. Foram utilizados 16 cavalos, clinicamente sadios, das raças Campolina e Mangalarga Marchador, de ambos os sexos, com idade média de seis anos e meio. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas com os animais em jejum (T0), após 10 minutos ao passo (T1), 15 minutos em marcha (T2 ), depois da virada, 15 minutos em marcha (T3 ) e após 15 minutos ao passo (T4). Foram analisados: freqüência cardíaca (FC), hematócrito, [Glicose], [Lactato] , [PPT] , [Ca 2+ ], [P + ], [Cl - ], [K + ], [Na + ], [Mg 2+ ] , [Triglicérides], [Colesterol Total], [Glutamina] e [Glutamato]. Os resultados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com um e dois fatores, com P<0,05 e quando necessário o Teste de Holm - Sidak, com P<0,05. Após as análises observou - se que a velocidade média dos cavalos foi de 3,03 m/s e o grupo condicionado apresentou [Glicose] e [Lactato] superior aos não condicionados. Também se observou elevação na [PPT] e Hematócrito em T4 no TSM. Entre os eletrólitos, observou-se redução na [Ca 2+ ] e elevação nas [P+] e [K+] ao longo do TSM. Houve elevação nos [Triglicerides] e a FC elevou-se significativamente durante o exercício, mas ainda assim, dentro dos limites aceitos para o exercício aeróbico. Concluindo que a marcha é um exercício aeróbico que produz alterações no metabolismo energético de modo a disponibilizar energia por longo período de exercício e causa mudanças na concentração de alguns eletrólitos no sangue.(AU)

The standard four - beat gaited simulation test (TSM) had been used to evaluate four - b eat gaited horses ́s fitness levels . The objectives of this research were evaluated adaptation of blood electrolytes and biomarkers in equine submitted to TSM. It was used 16 horses (Campolina n=8 and Mangalarga-Marchador n=8), males and females, Age ~6,6 years-old. Blood samples were collected in: fasting (T0), immediately after the warm - up (T1), after 15 (T3) and 30 (T4) min of “marcha” phase and 15 mi n after recovery period (T5). It was collected: heat rate (FC), [Glucose], [Lactate], [TPP], Hematocrit, [Ca2+], [P+], [Cl-], [K+], [Na+], [Mg2+], [Triglycerides], [Total Cholesterol Total], [Glutamine] e [Glutamate]. Also it was measured horses' speed and distance. Results were analysed by one - and two - way ANOVA and post hoc Holm-Sidak test, with P<0.05. Horses did TSM at ~ 3.03 m/s, and fit horses had higher [Glucose] and [Lactate] when compared with unfit group (P<0.05). In addition, [TPP] and Hematocrit were higher in T4. [Ca2+] decreased and [P+] and [K+] elevated during the TSM (P<0.05). [Triglyceride] changed significantly but not [T-Cholesterol]. Finally, HR changes but were inside the higher limit to HR for aerobic exercise. In conclusion, "marcha" or four-beat gait is a typical aerobic exercise and produce metabolic adaptation to support horses energetic metabolism and electrolyte concentration in the blood.(AU)