Keel bone fractures affect 50-80% of laying hens in many systems. This painful condition is caused by collisions, falls, and calcium deficiency, and is a major but often overlooked welfare problem.
Keel bone fractures cause chronic pain that dramatically reduces welfare. Fractures are often multiple and accumulate throughout the laying period. Hens with keel bone fractures show reduced activity, altered posture, and spend less time at feeders. The pain reduces egg production and increases mortality. Despite affecting the majority of laying hens in many systems, keel bone fractures receive little consumer awareness. Welfare assessments now increasingly include keel bone palpation as a routine indicator.