Some Studies of Leg Bone Deformities in Turkeys

Abstract

A BONE abnormality of turkeys referred to by growers as “spraddle leg” or “hock disease” is of economic importance in some turkey flocks of the intermountain area. The anatomical changes (Nielsen and Madsen, 1940) and the final outcome of the condition indicate that the disease is perosis. A similar condition has developed in this area in male lambs which were fed rations to which bone meal has been added.In the intermountain area perosis of young turkey poults appears to be of minor importance. Most of the loss takes place in birds two to six months of age.There is much literature available on the nature of perosis in chicks. Somewhat less is available in connection with the disease in turkey poults. Titus and Ginn (1931), Hammond (1936), Wilgus, Norris, and Heuser (1936) suggested that a high level of calcium phosphate and a low level of manganese in the ration .