Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in many production systems, causing chronic pain that is a major unresolved welfare challenge for the entire egg industry.
Keel bone fractures represent one of the most significant unresolved welfare challenges in commercial egg production. Unlike most farm animal welfare problems, fractures are not confined to the most intensive systems — prevalence is actually higher in free-range and enriched colony systems where hens fly and collide more frequently. The chronic pain caused by fractures affects the welfare of the majority of laying hens across virtually all production systems. Solutions are being actively researched including perch design modifications, landing pad materials, and selective breeding for stronger bones, but no single intervention has yet reduced prevalence to acceptable levels. This issue demands urgent prioritisation from both the industry and welfare regulators.