Keel bone fractures affect a majority of hens in cage-free and aviary systems, causing chronic pain and representing one of the most significant unsolved welfare challenges in egg production.
Keel bone fractures represent a serious and often invisible welfare problem in cage-free egg production. The transition away from battery cages improves many welfare dimensions but introduces this new concern. Solutions under investigation include perch design modifications to reduce landing impact forces, genetic selection for bone strength, dietary optimization, and lighting management to improve balance and coordination. Until solutions are implemented at scale, keel bone fractures remain a significant welfare deficit in cage-free certification systems that deserves greater consumer and industry attention.