Radiodensity in the central cavity of humeri in high-producing non-commercial laying hens.
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.
Clark
W D
WD
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz Research Centre, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada.
Cox
W R
WR
Silversides
F G
FG
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006811:Humerus / Q000502:physiology*; D008903:Minerals; D010058:Oviposition
D008903:Minerals; C028705:bone ash