Farm Animal Welfare

Hen Welfare and Genetic Selection Reform

Genetic selection in laying hens has prioritised production at the expense of welfare traits. Reform of selection indices to include welfare-positive traits can improve outcomes for future generations.

Key Facts

Modern layer breeds have been selected for high egg production across their lifetime
Selection has inadvertently increased keel bone fracture susceptibility in some lines
Bone mineral density, stress sensitivity, and immune function are heritable welfare traits
Some breeders are now incorporating welfare traits into their selection programmes
Slower-feathering breeds have lower fracture rates than fast-feathering lines in some studies

Welfare Considerations

Genetic selection reform is a long-term, scalable welfare intervention. Including welfare-positive traits in layer breeding indices can benefit billions of hens across future generations.

What You Can Do

Support breeding companies incorporating welfare traits into selection programmes
Advocate for welfare trait inclusion in layer breed standards and certification
Learn about the genetics of laying hen welfare
Choose eggs from welfare-certified producers with verified breed welfare management