Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Bone Health Management

Bone health is a major welfare challenge in laying hens, with osteoporosis and keel bone fractures causing pain and functional limitations in a high proportion of commercial flocks.

Key Facts

Up to 80% of commercial laying hens have keel bone fractures at end of lay
Calcium mobilisation for eggshell production depletes skeletal reserves
Perches that allow flapping and movement improve bone density in hens
Nutritional management and lighting programmes affect bone health outcomes
Keel bone palpation during flock inspections can identify welfare problems early

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures and osteoporosis represent painful conditions affecting the majority of laying hens in commercial systems. Addressing bone health through genetics, nutrition, housing design, and management is a high-priority welfare improvement for one of the most numerous farmed animals.

What You Can Do

Support poultry welfare research on bone health solutions
Choose eggs from certified higher-welfare systems
Advocate for bone health monitoring in laying hen welfare standards