Farm Animals

Poultry Keel Bone Fractures: Advanced Prevention Research

Keel bone fractures in laying hens are among the most prevalent and welfare-significant injuries in commercial egg production.

Key Facts

55-80% of laying hens in cage-free and enriched systems have keel bone damage
Keel fractures cause acute pain at time of fracture and chronic pain during healing
Perch design including diameter, surface texture, and height affects fracture risk
Breed differences in keel bone strength offer genetic selection opportunities

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures are a welfare crisis of industrial scale. The majority of cage-free hens live with painful fractures for weeks or months. Preventing fractures through perch design, breed selection, and calcium nutrition requires coordinated industry and research effort.

What You Can Do

Support research into keel bone fracture prevention through the Humane League Labs
Choose eggs from breeds and systems with documented lower keel bone injury rates
Advocate for keel bone monitoring as a mandatory welfare indicator in egg certification