The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 59, Issue 8 1020-1026, Copyright © 1977 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Scoliosis in chickens
RS Riggins, UK Abbott, CR Ashmore, RB Rucker and JR McCarrey
Scoliosis developed in 55 per cent of sexually mature birds (68 per cent of
male and 46 per cent of female birds) in a highly inbred line of chickens
originally produced from white Leghorns. The curve could first be detected
at five to six weeks of age and progressed until spontaneous fusion of the
thoracic vertebrae occurred. Studies of these chickens indicated that
abnormalities of growth and development of the spine are not the primary
cause of the scoliosis. Preliminary studies of the paravertebral
musculature also indicated that simple muscle imbalance is not responsible
for the curve. Initial studies of collagen extracted from the scoliotic
line of chickens showed it to be more soluble than similar collagen
extracted from white Leghorn controls.