Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in commercial flocks worldwide and are one of the most significant but underappreciated welfare issues in poultry production.
Keel bone fractures represent one of the most pervasive and under-addressed welfare problems in commercial poultry production. The fact that they occur at high rates even in cage-free and organic systems — systems marketed as welfare improvements — makes this particularly challenging for consumer-driven welfare improvement. Hens with fractured keels show altered posture, reduced movement, and preference for pain-relief medication, all indicating genuine suffering. Solutions require a multi-pronged approach: better perch design, selective breeding for bone density, calcium nutrition optimisation, and reduced collision risk through housing layout changes. Industry and retailers have been slow to act on this issue despite clear evidence, making regulatory intervention increasingly necessary.