Dataset for: Fast growth rate is associated with musculoskeletal biomechanical imbalance and dorsal cranial myopathy in broiler chickens

Dorsal cranial myopathy is a degenerative lesion that affects the <i>anterior Latissimus dorsi</i> muscle in broiler chickens. The objective was to investigate the influence of musculoskeletal biomechanical balance and gait on the prevalence of dorsal cranial myopathy in three broiler chicken strains with differing growth potential. Gait and musculoskeletal biomechanical balance (by calculating body angulation) were assessed. Dorsal cranial myopathy was assessed at final body weight. Dorsal cranial myopathy was more prevalent in fast-growing broilers compared to other strains, with no case observed in the slow-growing strain. Impaired gait negatively affected musculoskeletal biomechanical balance and increased the prevalence of dorsal cranial myopathy. Our results suggest that genetic strain, musculoskeletal biomechanical imbalance, poor gait, and high body weight are all associated with the prevalence of dorsal cranial myopathy in broiler chickens.