Are keel bone fractures a growing problem for the layer-hen industry?

Several important issues must be taken into consideration when assessing layer-hen welfare. These include food, shelter, freedom from pain and disease, and the degree to which hens can express natural behaviours and cope with sometimes stressful environments (Lay et al., 2011). In layer hens, skeletal health issues are of growing welfare concern due to their violation of two of these principles, causing severe debilitation and pain in those affected (Richards et al., 2011). The most common problems include osteoporosis and bone fractures, of which up to 90% involve the keel bone (Lay et al., 2011: Käppeli et al., 2011).