Skeletal deformities and their causes: Introduction

Much has been done to characterize skeletal deformities in poultry and to i dentify the causes of these deformities. However, skeletal problems in poul try continue to cost poultry producers over $100 million per year. A basic understanding of bone growth and development is essential for continuous pr ogress in solving current skeletal diseases. Although this research will be of great benefit to the poultry industry, the use of poultry models has pr oven valuable in studying human bone disease.