Studies on tibial dyschondroplasia in ducks.

A high incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia was present naturally in a variety of strains of ducks. The incidence was higher in heavy strains than in light strains and both incidence and severity were markedly reduced by early restriction of growth rate. The incidence and severity differed somewhat in groups of ducks of the same strain and growing at the same rate on two different commercial rations. The abnormality was not dramatically reduced by feeding a ration containing a high bicarbonate mineral mix. The histological development of the lesion is described and possible aetiologies discussed. Despite the high incidence, tibial dyschondroplasia seldom caused significant economic loss.