A force plate study of avian gait

Corr, S. A. , McCorquodale, C., McDonald, J., Gentle, M. and McGovern, R. (2007) A force plate study of avian gait. Journal of Biomechanics, 40(9), pp. 2037-2043. (doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.09.014) (PMID:17098240)

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Abstract

Objective: To test the force plate as a gait analysis system for broilers and to determine how the ground reaction force (GRF) patterns change in these birds with growth and administration of analgesia. Materials and methods: Thirty-three male Ross 308 chicks were raised on either an ad libitum or restricted-feeding regime, and subsequently treated with carprofen or a placebo. Vertical, craniocaudal and mediolateral GRFs were measured as the birds walked across a standard force plate. Results: The data were easy to collect, and peak vertical forces of an equivalent percentage of bodyweight as seen in human walking were identified. Mediolateral forces were 2–3 times greater than those demonstrated in other species. GRF patterns showed significant changes during growth, but analgesia did not have a significant effect on the speed of walking, or GRF patterns. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The force plate is a suitable research tool for recording GRFs from avian bipeds. The large mediolateral forces identify a particularly inefficient aspect of avian gait; however, the role of pain remains to be determined.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Corr, Sandra
Authors: Corr, S. A., McCorquodale, C., McDonald, J., Gentle, M., and McGovern, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Biomechanics
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0021-9290
ISSN (Online):1873-2380
Published Online:13 November 2007

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