Lameness in Poultry: Causes, Impact, and Management Strategies

Isaac Mugweru

Researcher

8 min read
22/01/2025
Lameness in Poultry: Causes, Impact, and Management Strategies

Introduction

Lameness in poultry is a big concern for farmers and animal researchers. It refers to different leg problems that affect a bird's ability to walk and move normally. It is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of underlying issues (Aydin, 2018). Its causes can be broadly categorized as:

  1. Infectious agents
  2. Developmental abnormalities
  3. Metabolic disorders
  4. Degenerative conditions

Manifestations of Lameness in Poultry

Lameness in poultry manifests in several ways, ranging from a slight limp to severe difficulty in walking and, in some cases, complete paralysis (Chen et al., 2022). Affected birds may exhibit an abnormal gait, reluctance to move, or an inability to reach feed and water (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Aydin, 2018).

Skeletal Issues Leading to Lameness

Lameness can be a consequence of skeletal issues such as bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), a major cause of lameness in fast-growing broilers that leads to bone necrosis and lameness (Aydin, 2018; Alharbi, Asnayanti, et al., 2024). BCO is often initiated by bacteria entering the bloodstream and colonizing the growth plates of long bones, leading to lameness (Alharbi et al., 2024).

Other bone-related issues, such as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and valgus-varus deformity (VVD), can also result in lameness (Chen et al., 2022). Additionally, conditions like footpad dermatitis (FPD), which causes lesions on the foot pads, lead to pain and lameness, compromising the welfare and productivity of poultry birds (Freihold et al., 2019; Yilmaz, 2024).

Role of Mycotoxins in Lameness

Mycotoxins present in feed may also contribute to lameness by weakening the intestinal barrier and causing immunosuppression, which makes birds more susceptible to infections leading to lameness (Alharbi et al., 2024).

Economic and Welfare Impacts

The financial implications of lameness are substantial, as it results in reduced productivity, increased mortality, and carcass condemnation during factory processing (Aydin, 2018; Alharbi, Asnayanti et al., 2024; Alharbi, Ekesi, et al., 2024). Furthermore, lameness leads to significant welfare issues, causing pain and limiting the bird's ability to perform natural behaviors (Kierończyk et al., 2017).

Rapid growth rates and delayed skeletal development are among the major predisposing factors leading to lameness (Liu et al., 2023). Therefore, understanding the various causes and manifestations of lameness is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies in poultry production.

Effect of lameness on poultry production

  • Welfare Concerns: Lameness is a major welfare issue in poultry, causing pain and discomfort that significantly impacts their well-being (Aydin, 2018; Chen et al., 2022). The inability to move freely can lead to frustration, reduced natural behaviors, and decreased overall quality of life (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Phibbs et al., 2021). Lameness can also increase stress and inflammation in birds, which is a major predisposing factor for opportunistic infections (Liu et al., 2023).
  • Reduced Mobility and Behavior: Lameness restricts movement and limits birds' ability to perform normal behaviors such as walking, foraging, perching, and interacting socially (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Phibbs et al., 2021; Barbosa et al., 2022). This reduction in activity can impact muscle development and overall fitness, leading to poor weight gain in meat birds and decreased production in layer birds (Van Blois et al., 2019; Barbosa et al., 2022).
  • Physiological Effects: Lameness can lead to a cascade of physiological issues, including changes in bone structure, altered gait, and muscle development (Aydin, 2018; Van Blois et al., 2019). Some studies suggest a connection between gastrointestinal health and skeletal health, implying that lameness may be part of a more complex health issue (Liu et al., 2023).
  • Growth Performance: Lameness negatively affects growth and feed efficiency in poultry (Kogut, 2022; Alharbi et al., 2024). The pain and difficulty accessing feed and water reduce appetite and nutrient absorption (Bielke et al., 2017). Birds with lameness may also have reduced body weight gain and breast meat yield (Van Blois et al., 2019; Kogut, 2022).
  • Increased Susceptibility to Other Diseases: Lameness may make birds more susceptible to other health issues. It has been reported that lameness could indicate other underlying health issues (Bielke et al., 2017).
  • Economic Implications: Lameness causes significant economic losses for poultry producers (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Aydin, 2018; Asnayanti et al., 2024). These losses stem from reduced growth rates, increased mortality, higher production costs, and decreased carcass value (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Aydin, 2018; Asnayanti et al., 2024).
  • Consumer Perceptions: Consumers are increasingly concerned about animal welfare, and lameness in poultry raises ethical concerns. This concern can negatively influence consumer purchasing decisions and affect the demand for poultry products (Phibbs et al., 2021).
  • Production Efficiency: Lameness increases the time and cost of production, leading to reduced overall farm efficiency (Aydin, 2018). The need for additional management interventions to address lameness also adds to production costs (Alharbi, et al., 2024).
  • Bone Development: Lameness is often associated with bone development issues. Specifically, bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a major cause of lameness, impacting bone health significantly (Alharbi et al., 2024; Aydin, 2018).
  • Microbiota Balance: An imbalance in gut microbiota is linked to poor nutrient absorption and immune dysfunction, which can exacerbate lameness problems (Bielke et al., 2017; Kogut, 2022). Probiotics may improve gut health and enhance nutrient absorption, which supports bone development and reduces the risk of lameness (Bielke et al., 2017; Owen, 2017; Kogut, 2022).
  • Stocking Density: Stocking density can affect lameness. Overcrowding increases the risk of lameness. Maintaining the appropriate stocking density is important to reduce lameness (Freihold et al., 2019).
  • Environmental Factors: Factors like litter condition, particularly high moisture levels, play a crucial role in developing foot pad dermatitis, which is often related to lameness (Freihold et al., 2019).
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of gait scores is crucial for assessing the severity of lameness and implementing effective strategies (Aydin, 2018; Kierończyk et al., 2017).

One of the most efficient ways to prevent these negative effects of lameness in poultry flocks is through diet manipulation, especially with minerals, vitamins, and some feed additives. The correct balance of nutrients contributes to bone development and overall health (Bielke et al., 2017; Kierończyk et al., 2017; Li et al., 2024). It has been shown that supplementing diets with organic forms of minerals such as Zinc, Copper, and Manganese can reduce the incidence of lameness (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2023; Alharbi, Asnayanti et al. 2024). In addition, the appropriate amount of Vitamin D3 helps in bone quality and reduces lameness (Liu et al., 2023; Li et al., 2024).

Conclusion

Lameness in poultry significantly impacts both the birds' welfare and the farm's productivity. Understanding its causes, manifestations, and the nutritional strategies that can be used to prevent and manage it is essential for effective poultry farming. Proper management and nutrition can reduce the occurrence of lameness, leading to better health, improved production, and economic benefits. 

References