Keel Bone Fractures in Laying Hens: Prevention

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in most housing systems and are a major welfare problem that requires attention to housing design and breed selection.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures occur in an estimated 50-80% of laying hens in cage-free and aviary systems
The keel bone protrudes prominently in laying hens and is vulnerable to collision injuries when birds land or jostle
Fractures cause chronic pain and are associated with reduced egg-laying, abnormal posture and altered movement
Enriched cages have lower keel bone fracture rates than aviary systems, highlighting the complexity of welfare trade-offs
Breed selection, ramp design, perch height and lighting can all reduce keel bone fracture rates

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures are among the most widespread yet underappreciated welfare problems in commercial egg production. The high prevalence across most housing systems suggests this is a systemic problem requiring both housing design innovation and breed selection solutions. Because the fractures are typically not visibly obvious to farm staff, they have historically been under-detected and under-addressed. Wider adoption of imaging studies and fracture assessment in welfare audits is needed to drive improvement.

What You Can Do

Support research into housing design changes and breed selection that reduce keel bone fracture rates
Advocate for keel bone fracture assessment to be included in mandatory welfare auditing for laying hens
Choose eggs from producers that actively monitor and report keel bone fracture prevalence
Engage with certification bodies about strengthening their standards to address keel bone welfare
Support organisations like the Humane Slaughter Association that research welfare at end of lay