Hen Welfare Keel Bone Fractures Science

Keel bone fractures are among the most significant welfare problems in laying hens, affecting the majority of birds in cage-free systems and causing chronic pain.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures affect 50-80% of laying hens in cage-free aviaries by end of lay
The keel bone houses the flight muscles and fracture causes pain on movement, perching, and wing use
Falls from elevated perches are the primary cause of acute keel bone fractures
Genetic selection for bone strength is a promising long-term solution being actively researched
Ramp and perch design modifications can reduce fall frequency and fracture rates
Providing adequate perch space at appropriate heights reduces landing impacts
Fracture detection is challenging as hens mask pain, making prevalence studies complex

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a hidden epidemic of chronic pain in laying hens - particularly in cage-free systems that are otherwise a significant welfare improvement over cages. The irony that better systems create new welfare challenges underlines that cage-free transition must be accompanied by ongoing research and design improvement. A hen with multiple keel bone fractures is suffering, regardless of the housing system she is in.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from producers who monitor and report keel bone fracture rates
Support research into genetic selection for bone strength in laying hens
Advocate for keel bone welfare to be included in certification scheme standards
Ask food companies and retailers about how they monitor and manage keel bone welfare in their supply chains
Support housing design research aimed at reducing perch fall frequency