Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in most housing systems, causing chronic pain that significantly compromises welfare. Understanding causes and prevention strategies is essential for reform.
Keel bone fractures represent one of the most widespread and underrecognized welfare problems in laying hen production. The near-universal prevalence across housing systems — including higher-welfare free-range and organic — means that hens producing eggs with any certification have a high probability of experiencing this painful condition. The fractures are often not detected visually and hens do not vocalize pain clearly, meaning the condition can persist undetected. Breeding for better bone quality, improved perch geometry, and management practices reducing collision risk are the primary prevention strategies.