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World's Poultry Science Journal World's Poultry Science Journal

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Causes of keel bone damage and their solutions in laying hens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 September 2015

A. HARLANDER-MATAUSCHEK ,
T.B. RODENBURG ,
V. SANDILANDS ,
B.W. TOBALSKE  and
M.J. TOSCANO
A. HARLANDER-MATAUSCHEK
Affiliation:
Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON, CanadaN1G 2W1
T.B. RODENBURG
Affiliation:
Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AHWageningen, The Netherlands
V. SANDILANDS
Affiliation:
Avian Science Research Centre, SRUC, Auchincruive Campus, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom
B.W. TOBALSKE
Affiliation:
Field Research Station at Fort Missoula, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
M.J. TOSCANO
Affiliation:
Research Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ) Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Burgerweg 22, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
Corresponding
E-mail address:
Michael.toscano@vetsuisse.unibe.ch
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Abstract

Keel bone damage (KBD) is a critical issue facing the contemporary laying hen industry due to the likely pain leading to compromised welfare and reduced productivity. Recent reports suggest that KBD, while highly variable and likely dependent on a host of factors, extends to all housing systems (including traditional battery cages, furnished cages and non-cage systems), genetic lines, and management styles. Despite the extent of the problem, the research community remains uncertain as to the causes and influencing factors of KBD. To combat these issues, the current review was produced following discussions from the 1st International Keel Bone Damage Workshop held in Switzerland in April 2014. This exercise sought to assess current knowledge, foster novel collaborations, propose unique methodologies and highlight the key areas where innovative research is needed. The following paper is based on the content of those discussions and presents nine recommendations for future research efforts.

Keywords

keel fracture damage welfare bone laying hen
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 71 , Issue 3 , September 2015 , pp. 461 - 472
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2015 

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