Neural consequences of partial toe amputation in chickens.

The extent of the damage inflicted on the hallux was determined in a group of detoed, newly hatched, male broiler-breeder chicks obtained from a commercial hatchery. Healing and neural regeneration were very rapid and after 22 days the stump had a complete epidermal and dermal covering with the dermis being well supplied with both nerves and blood vessels. Some regenerating nerve bundles became trapped in scar tissue and formed small terminal neuromas which persisted over the 60-day observation period. These results are discussed in relation to partial beak amputation and their welfare implications.