Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in many systems, causing chronic pain and representing one of the most significant unresolved welfare issues in egg production.
Keel bone fracture is a serious welfare paradox in laying hen systems. The move away from cages improves multiple welfare outcomes but increases fracture risk. Research is ongoing into perch design, flooring materials, genetics, and nutrition to reduce fracture prevalence. Producers committed to welfare should monitor keel bone health, adopt better perch designs, and select for genetic lines with stronger bones.