Green Muscle Disease

Green muscle disease is also known as Deep Pectoral Myopathy (DPM). This condition is found in the minor pectoral muscle of the breast and is most commonly found in Cornish cross broilers.

The breast muscles are responsible for the flapping motion of the wing. When the birds are allowed to rapidly flap their wings, the blood supply to the muscles increases and causes the muscles to expand.

Cause

In birds that are near processing size, the minor pectoral muscle (“chicken tender”) is confined to a space between the keel bone and the major pectoral muscle. Without room to expand, the minor pectoral muscle suffers damage when the bird is allowed to flap its wings, blood flow increases, and the major pectoral muscle expands and cuts off the blood supply of the minor pectoral muscle. Without a blood supply, the minor pectoral suffers injury.

Prevention

Green muscle disease is only noticeable during the processing of the bird. Prevent green muscle disease from happening by carefully managing the activity of the birds. Avoid any excitement or handling that will cause the bird to frantically flap its wings.

Can We Eat a Bird With Green Muscle Disease?

There is no evidence that Green Muscle Disease is caused by a pathogen, so technically it would be considered safe to consume a bird with it. However, it may not be aesthetically pleasing to eat green meat.