Farm Animals

Laying Hen Osteoporosis Prevention and Nutrition

Osteoporosis is endemic in laying hens due to calcium demands of egg production, causing painful fractures throughout life and particularly at end of lay.

Key Facts

99% of laying hens show some degree of osteoporosis by end of lay
Medullary bone is mobilised for eggshell calcium, depleting structural cortical bone
Perch use stimulates bone deposition, reducing fracture risk in hens that use perches
Calcium source, timing, and particle size all affect bone quality in laying hens
End-of-lay hens have extremely fragile bones, making catching and transport high fracture risk periods

Welfare Considerations

Bone fractures cause chronic pain throughout the laying period. Nutritional strategies, perch design that encourages use, and gentle handling during depopulation all contribute to reducing bone fracture prevalence and the suffering it causes.

What You Can Do

Support cage-free systems with appropriate perches for bone loading
Advocate for end-of-lay catching and transport standards addressing fragility
Choose eggs from producers demonstrating low keel bone fracture rates
Learn about laying hen bone health as a key welfare indicator