Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 7/21/17



Newly completed research shows that the so-called wooden breast condition has existed in broilers since the 1950s, according to USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation, which funded the project at North Carolina State University.

The project, “Factors Contributing to Superficial Pectoral Myodegeneration and Sclerosis ('Wooden Breast’) in Broilers,” was led by John Barnes at North Carolina State in Raleigh. Researchers studied the onset of wooden breast lesions in three breeds of modern broilers and a line of broilers from the 1950s. They found the condition in all of the broiler lines, including the 1950s line. The lesions were more severe in the modern broiler lines, and all modern lines had similar incidences and severity of lesions.

Microscopic lesions in the breast muscle were identified in all lines of broilers at two weeks of age. The researchers propose a new name for this condition: Broiler Breast Myopathy.

For a detailed summary of the research, click here.

The research was made possible by an endowing Foundation gift from Ozark Mountain Poultry. A complete report, along with information on other association research, may be obtained by going to USPOULTRY’s website. 

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