Correlação das metodologias de mensuração de problemas locomotores em frangos de corte, visando a validação de um novo método (fotogrametria)

Abstract

The poultry industry in Brazil is constantly growing leading our country to lead the world exports and is considered the third largest producer. Due to the large losses in profitability with locomotor problems, some methods have been deployed to the field to mitigate these losses, as the Gait Score (ability to walk), Latency to Lie (delay at rest) and computerized photogrammetry (analysis of photographic images and skeletal deviations). Other methods used in laboratory and abattoir that can be cited like the histological analysis and evaluation of femoral degeneration, respectively. These latter methods require the slaughter of birds, not allowing an immediate response in the field of locomotor condition of the birds. Knowing the impact of these problems have on locomotor outcome of the lot, this study aims to correlate the methodology of Gait Score and femoral degeneration in order to validate e method noninvasive and application throughout the growing birds. To this end, this study was conducted in a commercial poultry farm, located in a region of Paraná, São Jorge D’Oeste, between the months September-October 2011. It were assessed 20 broiler females and 20 males, randomly chosen, since in a good state of locomotion, and were later identified with rings. The birds were evaluated in the field by photogrammetry and Gait Score, weekly, from 21 days of age, totalizing four evaluations of locomotor problems (21, 28, 35 and 42 days). Subsequently, the results obtained by the method of photogrammetry were correlated with the results obtained by the DF methodology (Femoral degeneration and tibia) applied in a slaughterhouse. Data were analyzed using the Pearson method, using the statistical software Genes (2005). The photogrammetry was reliable and applicable to correlate with existing methodologies such as the methodology for Gait Score and degeneration of the femur and tibia.