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A four-month-old white Silkie bird was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Pookode with a complaint of lameness and inability to bear weight along with profuse watery diarrhoea for four days. The condition was tentatively diagnosed as Perosis due to mineral deficiency by general physical examination and from clinical signs. The bird was treated with a multi-mineral feed supplement for a period of one week and advised to feed a balanced poultry diet to prevent future recurrence. The bird made an uneventful recovery after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: A century of publications in the Poultry Science journal is celebrated with Centennial papers. It is relevant, therefore, to explore trace mineral (TM) research with an emphasis on manganese and selected aspects of skeletal development. Some of the initial observations on the topic appeared in the earliest volumes of our journal. Published studies in the late 1920’s and 1930’s confirmed the importance of the diet and unidentified organic (i.e., vitamins) and inorganic nutrients (i.e., TM) relative to skeletal development. The early nutrition research emphasized requirement studies, the search for unknown factors to alleviate recognized deficiencies, and lastly important nutrient interactions, especially in the gut. This review will discuss TM research with an emphasis on manganese (Mn). Some of the fundamental discoveries on the mechanisms underlying embryonic and post-hatch skeletal development led directly to research directed at the role of Mn in the synthesis of the epiphyseal matrix. The TM research agenda today is considerably different with respect to all trace nutrients and is largely driven by gut health, antibiotic free production, food safety and environmental outcomes. A significant proportion of the published research over the last 2 decades has focused on the form (i.e., organic, inorganic) of a given TM relative to a given physiologic or production response under the pretext that modern commercial genotypes and production realities have changed considerably since the last NRC publication (NRC, 1994). If one closely reviews the more recent scientific literature, however, it could be argued that the term “trace mineral requirement” is often a misnomer. Many of the TM levels recommended or in use today are not the result of quantifiable requirement studies but are often based on efficacy comparisons with the different organic and inorganic forms of commercially available TM.

Skin lesions are commonly seen in dairy herds and have been associated with animal-, environmental-, and management factors. These lesions are not only a welfare concern, but they also affect profitability. Three areas on the cattle were examined for skin lesions: the hock, knee, and neck. Previous Canadian studies estimating the prevalence of lesions and the risk factors associated with them have not included the Maritime Provinces. In this study, 73 herds in the Maritime Provinces were chosen voluntarily to participate, with both tiestalls (n = 33) and freestalls (n = 40) represented. Within each herd, 67 to 90% of the lactating cows were selected and assessed for potential animal-, environmental-, and management-based risk factors. If producers were aware of the potential risk factors, this could help them reduce the prevalence in their herd. Leg lesions were scored on a 4-point scale (0–3) based on hair loss, swelling, and scabs, with a lesion defined as a score of 2 or 3 on at least 1 hock or knee. Necks were scored on a 3-point scale (0–2), with a lesion defined as score 2. For freestalls, the prevalence (95% confidence interval) of hock lesions was 39% (29–49%), knee lesions was 14% (11–18%), and neck lesions was 1% (<1–2%). Similarly, for tiestalls the prevalence (95% confidence interval) of hock lesions was 39% (33–46%), knee lesions was 17% (13–22%), and neck lesions was 5% (3–8%). Due to differences in management and methods of assessment between facility types, tiestalls and freestalls were analyzed separately. Due to dichotomization of cows as having a skin lesion or not, random-effects multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for each lesion and facility type. Several environmental-based measurements, such as the stall base, type and dryness of bedding, and type of milking parlor, were associated with leg lesions. An environmental-based measurement that was associated with neck lesions was the design of the feed rail barrier in freestalls and the dimensions of the tie rail in tiestalls. Animal-based risk factors, such as stage of lactation, parity, and body condition, were also associated with all 3 types of lesions. This study showed that lesions to the hock, knee, and neck were common in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Although differences were seen between facility types, in general, the results suggest that improving stall design and management and feed bunk design would help producers reduce the number of skin lesions seen in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the association among different housing and management practices on the prevalence of lameness, hock lesions, and thin cows on US dairy operations. This study was conducted as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2014 study, which included dairy operations in 17 states. Size categories were assigned as follows: small (30-99 cows), medium (100-499 cows), and large (≥500 cows). Trained assessors visited 191 dairy operations from March through July 2014 and recorded locomotion and hock scores (on a 3-point scale), and the number of thin cows (body condition score ≤2.25) from a total of 22,622 cows (average 118 cows per farm). The majority of cows (90.4%) were considered to be sound (locomotion score = 1), 6.9% were mild/moderately lame (locomotion score = 2), and 2.7% were severely lame (locomotion score = 3). Similarly, most cows (87.3%) had no hock lesions (hock score = 1), 10.1% had mild lesions (hock score = 2), and 2.6% had severe hock lesions (hock score = 3). A low percentage of cows (4.2%) were thin. Univariate comparisons were performed using PROC LOGLINK, which accounts for study design and weighting. Variables meeting the univariate screening criterion of P < 0.20 were eligible for entry into multivariable models. Statistical significance in the multivariable models was declared at P < 0.05. Large operations had a lower within-herd prevalence of cows with locomotion score ≥2 and locomotion score = 3 compared with small or medium-sized operations. Operations on which cows were kept primarily on pasture had a lower percentage of locomotion score = 3 than those housed in freestall or open/dry lot operations. The use of sand bedding was associated with a lower within-herd prevalence of locomotion score ≥2 than straw/hay or dry/composted manure as the primary bedding material. Sand bedding was also associated with a lower within-herd prevalence of locomotion score = 3 than other bedding types except for rubber mats or mattresses. Operations that housed cows in an open/dry lot had a lower percentage of hock score ≥2 and hock score = 3 than other housing types. Providing sprinklers for heat abatement and having a nutritionist balance rations for cows was associated with a lower percentage of thin cows. Results from this study highlight management practices that may reduce the prevalence of lameness, hock lesions, and thin cows on dairy operations in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 3691 dairy cows from 76 farms were used to investigate the risk factors associated with the area of hair loss over the lateral aspect of the hock and the correlation between the area of hair loss (as calculated using a hock map) and hock lesion scores determined using a pre-existing categorical scale. Six factors were associated with a greater area of hair loss, including cows with locomotion score 3, a cleanliness score (10/28 to 18/28), high daily milk yield (25.1-58.1 kg), poor body condition score (11.5), duration of winter housing (≥41 days) and some combinations of cubicle base and bedding materials. Compared with cows housed in cubicles with a concrete base and whole straw or rape straw bedding, cows housed in cubicles with concrete bases with sand or chopped straw bedding had smaller areas of hair loss and cows housed on a mattress base with whole straw or rape straw bedding had larger areas of hair loss. Area of hair loss, as measured on hock maps, was not significantly different between cows with score 1 (median 23.6 cm²) and score 2 (median 20.3 cm²) on the categorical scale for hock lesions. This suggests that the categorical scale was not reflecting the extent of hair loss and that hock maps are a good alternative for studying the dynamics of hock lesions over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dose -response experiment with 8 dietary choline levels (302, 496, 778, 990, 1,182, 1,414, 1,625, and 1,832 mg/kg) was conducted with male White Pekin ducks to estimate the choline requirement from hatch to 21 d of age. Three hundred eighty-four 1-dold male White Pekin ducks were randomly assigned to 8 dietary treatments, each containing 6 replicate pens with 8 birds per pen. At 21 d of age, weight gain, feed intake, and feed/gain from each pen were calculated for feeding period, and 2 ducks selected randomly from each pen were euthanized and the liver was collected to determine total lipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids. In our study, perosis, poor growth, and high liver fat were all observed in choline-deficient ducks and incidence of perosis was zero when dietary choline was 1,182 mg/kg. As dietary choline increased, the weight gain and feed intake increased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05). On the other hand, as dietary choline increased, the total lipid and triglyceride in liver decreased linearly and liver phospholipid increased linearly (P < 0.05), and the lipotropic activity of choline may be associated with increasing phospholipid at a high dietary choline level. According to broken-line regression, the choline requirements for weight gain and feed intake were 810 and 823 mg/kg, respectively, but higher requirement should be considered to prevent perosis and excess liver lipid deposition completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined various aspects of cubicle design and management in terms of their potential as risk factors for hock lesions, using an epidemiological approach. Cubicle dairy farms in Germany and Austria with Holstein Friesian or Simmental cows were visited during the winter housing season. 105 farms and 3691 cows were included in the analysis which consisted of three steps: bifactorial regression, regression trees and multiple linear regression. The mean farm prevalence of hock lesions, i.e. scabs, wounds, and swellings was 50%, with a range from 0 to 100%. The final model contained eight factors which were largely related to lying comfort and explained 75% of the variance. The presence of a curb turned out to be the most influential beneficial factor. Additionally, there were fewer hock lesions when cows were housed with deep bedded cubicles compared to cubicles without deep bedding. Other factors in the regression model were softness and length of the lying surface and height of free space under cubicle partitions, the proportion of overconditioned cows and a variable encoding three different combinations of region, husbandry system (organic and conventional) and breed. Independently from the risk factor model hock lesions were positively correlated with lameness at herd level as well as at animal level. This probably results from related risk factors for both conditions. It can be concluded that lying comfort of dairy cows should be improved in order to prevent hock lesions. In addition, preventive measures for hock lesions at the same time have a potential of reducing lameness and thus to improve cow welfare in several aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. Severe foot and hock dermatitis in broiler chickens can reduce growth rate and increase susceptibility to bacterial infection, affecting both profitability and welfare. However, little is known about the underlying physiological changes associated with foot and hock lesions. 2. This study compared global hepatic gene expression in control birds and those with ammonia-induced foot and hock lesions using Agilent 44 K chicken oligonucleotide microarrays (8 birds per group). 3. In total, 417 genes were differentially expressed of which 174 could be mapped onto the genome. Genes associated with energy metabolism, thyroid hormone activity and cellular control were affected, while there was also evidence of an up-regulation of genes linked to a pro-inflammatory response. 4. It is conceivable that pain is the underlying cause for the observed changes in energy metabolism genes. 5. Changes in hepatic gene expression provide new information on how a chicken's physiological mechanisms alter to cope with foot and hock lesions. The findings support other data indicating that birds with increased severity of lesions are likely to be in pain and that growth will be compromised. Reduction of the incidence of dermatitis by improved husbandry should therefore benefit both welfare and commercial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to detect chewing lice on some birds investigated in Eskişehir and Konya provinces in Central Anatolian Region of Turkey between 2008 and 2010 years. For this aim, 31 bird specimens belonging to 23 bird species which were injured or died were examined for the louse infestation. Firstly, the feathers of each bird were inspected macroscopically, all observed louse specimens were collected and then the examined birds were treated with a synthetic pyrethroid spray (Biyo avispray-Biyoteknik®). The collected lice were placed into the tubes with 70% alcohol and mounted on slides with Canada balsam after being cleared in KOH 10%. Then the collected chewing lice were identified under the light microscobe. Eleven out of totally 31 (35.48%) birds were found to be infested with at least one chewing louse species. Eighteen lice species were found belonging to 16 genera on infested birds. Thirteen of 18 lice species; Actornithophilus piceus piceus (Denny, 1842); Anaticola phoenicopteri (Coincide, 1859); Anatoecus pygaspis (Nitzsch, 1866); Colpocephalum heterosoma Piaget, 1880; C. polonum Eichler and Zlotorzycka, 1971; Fulicoffula lurida (Nitzsch, 1818); Incidifrons fulicia (Linnaeus, 1758); Meromenopon meropis Clay ve Meinertzhagen, 1941; Meropoecus meropis (Denny, 1842); Pseudomenopon pilosum (Scopoli, 1763); Rallicola fulicia (Denny, 1842); Saemundssonia lari Fabricius, O, 1780), and Trinoton femoratum Piaget, 1889 have been recorded from Turkey for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the experimental transmission of amyloid protein A (AA) amyloidosis with amyloid-enhancing factor has been studied intensively, its pathogenesis remains obscure. We previously found that rabbits affected with 'sore hocks' (SH) uniquely developed AA amyloidosis in response to primary inflammatory stimulation followed by the administration of bovine AA fibrils. However, it is unknown why only the rabbits with preexisting SH developed experimental AA amyloidosis. There may be hidden factors in the SH status that stimulate the mechanism of cross-species transmission of AA amyloidosis. To examine the essential factors in the development of experimental AA amyloidosis in SH-affected rabbits, we studied the etiology of SH in rabbits pathologically and bacteriologically. In addition, we developed artificial SH symptoms in normal rabbits by use of an adjuvant prepared from Staphylococcus aureus (StA) isolated from a spontaneous SH-affected rabbit, and we evaluated the incidence of AA amyloidosis in rabbits with or without experimental SH symptoms. We found that StA administration was extremely efficient at stimulating the induction of experimental AA amyloidosis, and the influence of SH was required. We found that the persistent S. aureus infection in SH facilitates the development of experimental AA amyloidosis in rabbits and that the inflammatory stimulation provided by SH acts as an additional accelerator in experimental AA amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterioration of footpad and hock condition and increased stress are important welfare concerns in high-density broiler production. It has been argued that environmental enrichment may help address these issues. We hypothesized that increasing environmental complexity by providing access to barrier perches across a range of densities should improve footpad and hock health, reduce leg fluctuating asymmetry (FA), and mitigate fear in broilers without compromising bird performance. In this study, 2,088 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of the following barrier and density treatment combinations over 4 rep- lications: simple barrier, complex barrier, or no barrier (control) and low (8 birds/m2), moderate (13 birds/ m2), or high (18 birds/m2) density. In wk 7, data were collected on average tibia width and length, FA of tibia width and tibia length, footpad and hock lesions, tonic immobility, feed conversion, final BW, and mortalities. Broilers at higher densities had more severe footpacl (P < 0.0001) and hock lesions (P < 0.0001). Their tibias were also longer (P < 0.0001) and less symmetric in length (P < 0.05). The tibias of birds in complex bar- rier pens were more symmetric in length compared with controls (P < 0.05). Barrier treatment had no effect on hock lesions, although there was a trend for simple bar- riers to reduce the severity of footpad lesions compared with the control treatment (P 0.089). Birds kept in simple barrier pens were more susceptible to tonic im- mobility induction (P < 0.05). Final BW, feed conver- sion, and mortalities were neither affected by stock- ing density nor by barrier inclusion. In conclusion, this study shows a negative effect of high density on broiler footpad health and FA. Although barrier perches did not appear to reduce fearfulness, the improvement in footpad health suggests that simple barriers may pro- vide key welfare benefits to broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Standardised data on flock husbandry were recorded on 149 broiler farms during the 4 d prior to slaughter. 2. Birds were examined at the slaughterhouse for contact dermatitis lesions. Foot pad dermatitis score (FPDS) and hock burn score (HBS) were measured on five point scales. Carcase rejection data were also collected. 3. The mean percentage of birds in each flock with: moderate or severe foot lesions was 11·1% (range 0-71·5%); moderate or severe hock burn was 1·3% (range 0-33·3%); and, breast burn was 0·02%. 4. A general linear model was developed to examine factors associated with mean flock FPDS. Assuming a linear relationship, within the range of data collected and with all other factors remaining the same, every 1% increase in the proportion of Genotype A birds in the flock was associated with an increase in mean FPDS of 0·003, every one-point increase in litter score was associated with a 0·326 increase in mean FPDS and every one-point increase in flock mean HBS was associated with a 0·411 increase in mean FPDS. Flock mean FPDS was associated with feed supplier and was higher in winter. 5. The general linear model developed for flock mean HBS, found that every one-point increase in mean FPDS increased mean HBS by 0·090, every one-point increase in litter score increased HBS by 0·119 and, every 1% increase in small/emaciated birds decreased mean HBS by 0·333. Reduced HBS was also associated with increased final litter depth, younger slaughter age and an increased percentage of dietary wheat. For every 1% increase in Genotype A birds, a decrease in flock mean HBS of 0·003 would be expected. 6. An effect of hatchery was also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The age-weight test was described to aid the clinician in defining demographic predictors of an atypical slipped capital femoral epiphysis. We wished to retest the accuracy and applicability of the age-weight test and height differences in children with atypical and typical slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Methods: A retrospective review of the records for all children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis from 1998 through 2003 was performed. Gender, race, chronological age, weight, height, the duration of symptoms, and the laterality of the slip were recorded. The slip angle was classified as mild (<30°), moderate (30 to 50°), or severe (>50°). Statistical analyses were performed. Results: The study included 105 children (thirty-eight girls and sixty-seven boys) with 141 slipped capital femoral epiphyses; ten children had fifteen atypical slipped capital femoral epiphyses, and ninety-five children had 126 typical slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Sixty-nine children had unilateral involvement, and thirty-six had bilateral involvement. The average age at the time of presentation for the first slipped capital femoral epiphysis was 12.1 ± 2.0 years. The average duration of symptoms was 3.7 ± 5.5 months. In the group of 128 slipped capital femoral epiphyses for which the slip angle was known, there were ninety-three mild, twenty-seven moderate, and eight severe slips. The average slip angle was 24° ± 18°. The age-weight test demonstrated a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 89%, a positive predictive value of 33%, and a negative predictive value of 94%. The age-height test, involving the same definition as the age-weight test except that the percentiles apply to height and not weight, demonstrated a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 73%, a positive predictive value of 30%, and a negative predictive value of 98%. The height test, which was defined as positive if the child's height was at or below the tenth percentile for age and as negative if it was above the tenth percentile, demonstrated a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 97%, a positive predictive value of 75%, and a negative predictive value of 97%. Conclusions: The present study reaffirmed the accuracy and applicability of the age-weight test for differentiating between typical and atypical slipped capital femoral epiphyses, and it further defined the age-height and height tests. If the height of a child can be obtained, the height test is likely to be most useful for differentiating between typical and atypical slipped capital femoral epiphysis. When height is not known, the age-weight test will result in a similar negative predictive value but with a lower sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Injuries around the tarsal joint are common in dairy cows kept in tie stalls. This study investigated the influence of the frequency and duration of outdoor exercise on the prevalence of hock lesions in tied Swiss dairy cows. Over a 1-year period (from January to December), cows on 66 farms were examined a total of six times (once every 2 months) for the number and severity of hock lesions (hairless patches, scabs and open wounds, swellings). The prevalence of scabs and wounds (mean 2.1 scabs per cow and farm, range 0.3–4.1) was negatively associated with the duration of outdoor exercise, and positively associated with its frequency. It was also significantly affected by the time of visit and the type of bedding (straw being better than other materials). With increasing length of the lying area, the prevalence of scabs and wounds decreased. Based on the interpretation of the final model, it is suggested that a minimum of 50h spent outdoors over a 4-week period is necessary to have a marked result on the prevalence of hock lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A century of publications in the Poultry Science journal is celebrated with Centennial papers. It is relevant, therefore, to explore trace mineral (TM) research with an emphasis on manganese and selected aspects of skeletal development. Some of the initial observations on the topic appeared in the earliest volumes of our journal. Published studies in the late 1920's and 1930's confirmed the importance of the diet and unidentified organic (i.e., vitamins) and inorganic nutrients (i.e., TM) relative to skeletal development. The early nutrition research emphasized requirement studies, the search for unknown factors to alleviate recognized deficiencies, and lastly important nutrient interactions, especially in the gut. This review will discuss TM research with an emphasis on manganese (Mn). Some of the fundamental discoveries on the mechanisms underlying embryonic and post-hatch skeletal development led directly to research directed at the role of Mn in the synthesis of the epiphyseal matrix. The TM research agenda today is considerably different with respect to all trace nutrients and is largely driven by gut health, antibiotic free production, food safety and environmental outcomes. A significant proportion of the published research over the last 2 decades has focused on the form (i.e., organic, inorganic) of a given TM relative to a given physiologic or production response under the pretext that modern commercial genotypes and production realities have changed considerably since the last NRC publication (NRC, 1994). If one closely reviews the more recent scientific literature, however, it could be argued that the term "trace mineral requirement" is often a misnomer. Many of the TM levels recommended or in use today are not the result of quantifiable requirement studies but are often based on efficacy comparisons with the different organic and inorganic forms of commercially available TM., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The article presents the case of a 3-week-old unvaccinated chick that was presented to veterinarian for a possibility of broken leg. It mentions that histopathological analysis of chick revealed that it was having mild synovial hyperplasia of the left hock joint and multicentric lymphoma of the proventriculus, duodenum, and spleen. It mentions that chick was suffered from perosis and Marek's disease.

A nine year old non-descript Doe was brought with the history of having a mass in the left hind limb for the past six months. Clinically a large, ulcerated tumour was seen in the left caudal hock joint. Under xylazine sedation and lignocaine ring block, the tumor was surgically removed and the skin was opposed after making parallel relaxing incisions on either side of the surgical site. The wound healed with granulation and the animal made an uneventful recovery after one month of wound care and laser therapy. Histopathological analysis suggested the tumour as a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on hock lesions. They range in severity from mild hair loss, through ulceration to swelling and joint infection. They are an essential and ordinary cause of poor welfare in housed dairy cattle, specifically those housed in cubicle (free stall) yards. 42-81% is the mean prevalence of hock lesions in surveys in North America.