Avian Diseases An international journal dedicated to avian health Published Quarterly by the American Association of Avian Pathologists Downgrading of Heavy Broiler Chicken Carcasses Due to Myodegeneration of the Anterior Latissimus Dorsi: Pathologic and Epidemiologic Studies F. C. Zimermann, ABE L. C. B. Fallavena, B C. T. P. Salle, C H. L. S. Moraes, C R. A. Soncini, D M. H. Barreta, A and V. P. Nascimento C A Instituto Federal de Educac ¸a ˜o Cie ˆncia e Tecnologia Catarinense, Campus de Conco ´rdia, Rodovia SC 283, Km 8, Vila Fragosos, Cx. Postal 58, 89700-000, Conco ´rdia, SC, Brazil B Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Avenida Farroupilha 8001, Canoas, RS, 92425-900, Brazil C Centro de Diagno ´stico e Pesquisa em Patologia Avia ´ria, Faculdade de Veterina ´ria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonc ¸alves 8824, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-510, Brazil D Rua Leopoldo Walter Feldmann 45, Canela, RS, 95680-000, Brazil