Abstract: Flooring challenge systems and processes for culling poultry reared in pens by adding torque, stress and strain on key leg joints in to induce lameness attributable to osteochondrosis and osteomyelitis of the proximal femur and tibia. The flooring challenge systems utilize one or more portable panels or sections that can be constructed in a wide range of sizes and configurations for installation in commercial poultry pens. In addition, the flooring challenge systems may utilize a device suspended a predetermined distance above the apex of the flooring challenge panel to subject the poultry's legs to asymmetric twisting and enhanced instability by forcing the birds to straddle opposing slopes near the apex of the flooring challenge panel. After a suitable incidence of lameness has been induced, the panels or sections of the flooring challenge system can be removed to facilitate cleanout of the rearing pens.

Abstract: Flooring challenge systems for culling poultry that induce lameness attributable to osteochondrosis and osteomyelitis of the proximal femur and tibia in poultry. The flooring challenge systems induce unstable or insecure footing for poultry reared in pens by adding torque, stress and strain on key leg joints in order to exacerbate and accelerate the development of bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis lesions and lameness. The flooring challenge systems utilize one or more portable panels or sections that can be constructed in a wide range of sizes and configurations for installation in commercial poultry pens. In addition, the flooring challenge systems may utilize a device suspended a predetermined distance above the apex of the flooring challenge panel to subject the poultry's legs to asymmetric twisting and enhanced instability by forcing the birds to straddle opposing slopes near the apex of the flooring challenge panel.

Abstract: A new method for identifying and eliminating chickens that are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension uses micrometer scale particles to occlude blood vessels in the lungs of the chickens. This results in the death of chickens that are pre-disposed to pulmonary hypertension. The invention effectively culls a chicken stock of the weaker animals.

Abstract: A method of treating an avian egg, including the step of administering to an avian egg a sufficient amount of an L-arginine compound to prevent pulmonary hypertension syndrome in an avian to be hatched from the egg.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing pulmonary hypertension syndrome in avians, generally including administering a drinking water containing L-arginine compound to the avian.