Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in commercial systems, causing chronic pain that represents one of the most significant welfare problems in egg production globally.
Keel bone fractures represent perhaps the most significant unresolved welfare crisis in egg production. The scale of the problem, affecting the majority of the commercial laying flock globally, means that chronic bone pain is a near-universal experience for laying hens. The transition from conventional cages to free-range and aviary systems, while providing important welfare benefits in terms of movement and behavioral expression, has not solved the keel bone problem. Solutions require both genetic selection for stronger bones and aviary design that reduces collision risk. Consumer and retailer pressure needs to extend beyond cage-free to demand solutions for keel bone fractures specifically.