Poultry Liver Disease and Fatty Liver Syndrome Welfare

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens causes sudden death and significant welfare impacts in flocks fed high-energy diets with limited exercise opportunities.

Key Facts

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome is a leading cause of non-infectious death in laying hen flocks
The condition involves excessive fat deposition in the liver, which ruptures causing internal haemorrhage
High energy density diets and cage systems that restrict exercise significantly increase risk
Affected hens may show progressive lethargy and reduced production before sudden death
Dietary adjustments including increased fibre and reduced energy content can reduce incidence

Welfare Considerations

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome represents a welfare problem emerging from the combination of genetic selection for high egg production and housing systems that restrict exercise. Hens experiencing liver disease progression suffer metabolic distress, lethargy, and ultimately acute internal haemorrhage. The welfare impact of each individual death is significant, and the flock prevalence in affected systems suggests systemic welfare compromise. Free-range and organic systems with outdoor access and lower-energy diets show lower incidence rates.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen housing systems that allow exercise and movement
Choose free-range or organic eggs where hens have access to outdoor range
Advocate for lower stocking density and exercise space requirements in cage-free systems
Support research into nutrition and management interventions for fatty liver reduction
Engage with farm assurance bodies about liver disease monitoring as a welfare outcome indicator