What Is Keel Bone Damage?
Academic research shows significant welfare and productivity issues - but keel bone damage is not routinely monitored
From our Insights
What are keel bone fractures?
A short explainer on what they are, why they happen, and what they mean for welfare, productivity, and the egg industry.
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A widespread issue
Research suggests over half of UK laying hens have broken or deformed keel bones, across every housing system. It is an industry-wide challenge, not a problem of any one farm or system.
Welfare and productivity impacts
Affected hens move less, spend less time at feeders, and show raised stress indicators. There is also growing evidence of productivity effects, including reduced laying persistence, so better keel health and better output can go hand in hand.
Hard to see, hard to manage
Because keel damage is largely invisible on the live bird, it is rarely measured, and its true scale and causes remain poorly understood. Better measurement is the first step to managing it, and to being ready as it moves up the regulatory agenda.
