Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Keel Bone Research 2026

Keel bone fractures affect up to 80% of laying hens in some systems, making this a priority welfare concern for 2026 research.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures are the most prevalent welfare problem in laying hens globally
Perch design significantly affects fracture rates - padded perches reduce injury by 30%
Genetics play a role with some breeds showing 50% lower fracture prevalence
Fractures cause chronic pain detectable through grimace scale assessment
New EU regulations in 2026 require keel bone monitoring in commercial flocks

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent an unacceptable level of chronic pain. Industry commitment to design improvements and breeding selection can dramatically reduce this suffering.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen welfare certification programs
Choose eggs from flocks with low keel bone fracture rates
Advocate for EU keel bone monitoring requirements globally