Experimental rickets in broilers: gross, microscopic, and radiographic lesions. I. Phosphorus deficiency and calcium excess

Avian Dis. 1984 Apr-Jun;28(2):460-74.

Abstract

Day-old broiler chicks were fed diets high in calcium or low in phosphorus for 30 days. Chicks in both groups had similar gross, microscopic, and radiographic lesions. At 2 weeks, the growth-plate degenerating hypertrophied zone (DHZ) and metaphyseal primary spongiosa were lengthened and decreased in radiopacity. Metaphyseal vessels extended to the growth-plate hypertrophied zone (HZ), and osteoid seams were widened. At 3 and 4 weeks, lesions were similar; however, folding fractures were common and cartilage columns of the metaphysis were thinned and replaced with increased woven bone.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Calcium, Dietary / adverse effects*
  • Chickens*
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Growth Plate / pathology
  • Phosphorus / deficiency*
  • Poultry Diseases / etiology
  • Poultry Diseases / pathology*
  • Radiography
  • Rickets / diagnostic imaging
  • Rickets / etiology
  • Rickets / pathology
  • Rickets / veterinary*

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Phosphorus