Bone metabolism and inflammation in slow- and fast-growing domestic fowl

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Modern poultry (meat-type and egg laying chickens) have been intensively genetically selected for over 60 years. Meat-type (boiler) chickens have been selected for rapid growth rate, breast muscle deposition, and efficient conversion of feed to muscle. Egg-type chickens (laying hens) have been selected for high levels of egg production and efficient conversion of feed to egg mass. In both cases, commercial selection has likely resulted in inadvertent selection against factors that counteract rapid growth or high levels of egg production. The inflammatory response is part of the innate immune system, and can cause systemic effects such as decreased feed intake, slower growth rate, and decreased egg production. Even mild inflammation may subtly reduce performance of commercial chickens. The rapid growth rate of broilers reduces the ability of the birds to properly form bones, and the high output of eggs in layers creates a drain on bone calcium that can lead to osteoporosis. Cells of the inflammatory immune system and cells related to bone metabolism are related, and previous research has shown that experimentally-induced inflammation has a negative effect on bone metabolism in chickens.