Keel bone fractures are extremely common in laying hens and cause chronic pain that significantly compromises welfare throughout the laying period.
Keel bone fractures are arguably the most prevalent welfare problem in modern egg production. The majority of laying hens suffer chronic pain from these fractures throughout their productive lives, yet the problem receives far less attention than more visible welfare concerns. Genetic selection for stronger keel bones and housing design changes are both needed to address this pervasive problem.