Livestock

Keel Bone Fractures in Laying Hens

Keel bone fractures affect an estimated 50-80% of laying hens in some production systems and are a major but underappreciated welfare problem causing chronic pain throughout the laying period.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures affect up to 80% of hens in some cage-free aviaries
Fractures are caused by collisions with equipment, poor landing behaviour and calcium depletion
Affected hens show altered posture, reduced activity and changes in feeding behaviour indicating pain
The keel bone is the bony ridge of the sternum and provides attachment for flight muscles

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a significant welfare crisis in laying hen production that received little attention until recent years. Fractures cause chronic pain that reduces quality of life throughout the laying period. Aviary design, breed selection, early life management and calcium nutrition all influence fracture rates and offer intervention opportunities.

What You Can Do

Support research into aviary design features that reduce keel bone collision injuries
Advocate for inclusion of keel bone fracture rates as a mandatory welfare outcome indicator
Choose eggs from producers working on keel bone fracture reduction programmes
Support development of non-painful handling techniques for keel bone examination in welfare audits