Radiodensity in the central cavity of humeri in high-producing non-commercial laying hens

Br Poult Sci. 2007 Dec;48(6):647-50. doi: 10.1080/00071660701665866.

Abstract

1. Line differences in the incidence of the presence of radiodense material in the central cavities of humeri of 6 different lines of laying hens were observed using radiographs. 2. Internal humeral radiodense material was observed in over 60% of hens in two lines and 18% of hens in two other lines measured at 65 weeks of age. There was no difference in the incidence (15, 16%) between the last two lines observed at 47 weeks of age. 3. In the 4 lines studied at 65 weeks of age the presence of radiodense material was associated with increased humerus dry weight and ash weight in two lines, while percentage-ash was reduced in all 4 lines. 4. Results from this and previous studies suggest that humeral medullary bone could be an appreciable source of variability in experimental data collected to assess skeletal health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Bone Density / genetics
  • Bone Density / physiology*
  • Bone and Bones / physiology
  • Chickens / genetics
  • Chickens / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humerus / physiology*
  • Minerals
  • Oviposition

Substances

  • Minerals
  • bone ash