Modification of aviary design reduces incidence of falls, collisions and keel bone damage in laying hens

Stratmann, Ariane; Fröhlich, E; Gebhardt-Henrich, Sabine G.; Harlander-Matauschek, Alexandra; Würbel, Hanno; Toscano, Michael J.

doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.012

Cited by 100 publications

(101 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…This is at the same time the fractures start to appear (at the age 26 to 30 weeks of age) and where egg production is high, which is a striking coincidence. Further to this it has been indicated that the development of fractures reduce after 45 weeks of age [14,26], again pointing at the late ossification as a possible inducer or risk factor for fractures. Although we were not able to demonstrate fractures directly in the ossification line, the appearance of the fractures from all production systems similar to greenstick fractures which are common in children and associated with the ossification zones [43], suggests this area of the keel for future research.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Early reports have not distinguished between keel bone damage/deformities and fractures, but recent investigations have been more precise in separating these pathological conditions. The current opinion appears to be that deviations/deformities to a large extent is due to perching behavior in combination with hard, thin perches whereas fractures are the result of impact collisions with housing structures [10,11,5,[12][13][14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pathological characterization of keel bone fractures in laying hens does not support external trauma as the underlying cause

et al. 2020

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Keel bone fractures in laying hens have been described with increasing prevalence from several countries over the last twenty years and are considered one of the greatest welfare problems to the layer industry. In Denmark we have observed fracture prevalence in the range of 53% to 100% in flocks from cage-free systems whereas flock prevalences in birds from enriched cages ranged between 50-98%.Previous research have speculated that the underlying reason for the development of keel bone fractures is trauma in relation to impact of the bird with furniture, other equipment etc. However, little evidence of this theory has been provided. Predisposing factors have also been suggested including genetics of the bird, lack of specific feedstuff components, high egg production, management factors and layer fatigue.This study has addressed the possible pathogenesis of these fractures by pathological characterization of fractures in birds from different production systems. More than 60 keel bones with fractures have been characterized histo-pathologically and by CT scan. This included an assessment of damage to muscles and soft tissues, the bone and the healing process including callus formation. This investigation has shown that high energy collisions cannot be responsible for the majority of fractures, located at the caudal tip of the keel bone, observed in laying birds as markers associated trauma were not observed in the majority of the cases just as few recognized healing processes were observed. These results suggest an alternative pathogenesis to trauma. OPEN ACCESS Citation: Thøfner I, Hougen HP, Villa C, Lynnerup N, Christensen JP (2020) Pathological characterization of keel bone fractures in laying hens does not support external trauma as the underlying cause. PLoS ONE 15(3): e0229735.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathological characterization of keel bone fractures in laying hens does not support external trauma as the underlying cause

et al. 2020

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“…One option is to add ramps to aid transition between tiers. Stratmann et al (2015a) showed that adding ramps to a commercial aviary system reduced falls by 55%, collisions by 41% and keel fractures by 24%, while movements between tiers increased by 44%. The width of the corridors between the different rows within systems also needs further attention.…”

Section: Recommendation 6 -Investigate Genetic Capacity To Reduce Kbdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Causes of keel bone damage and their solutions in laying hens

Harlander-Matauschek

Rodenburg

Sandilands³

et al. 2015

World's Poultry Science Journal

110

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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.

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“…As in nature, animals selected in one environment may not be adapted for life in another but by expanding the range of breeding goals so that these include selection for robustness and high welfare traits in the new environment both welfare and efficiency it may be possible to improve both at the same time (Lawrence et al 2004;Dawkins and Layton 2012). Management and building design can also be used to reduce welfare issues such as fear, slippages, injury, bone breakages (Grandin 2012;Stratmann et al 2015). If these are initially expensive, the cost should be a spur to finding different, less expensive solutions, not an immovable obstacle to improving welfare.…”

Section: When There Is a Conflict Between Welfare And Efficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal welfare and efficient farming: is conflict inevitable?

Dawkins¹

2017

Anim. Prod. Sci.

178

111

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Abstract. The potential conflicts between animal welfare and efficient farming can often be resolved or at least reduced by showing the financial benefits that improving animal welfare can bring to both society and individual farmers. These benefits include increased profits through: (i) reduced mortality; (ii) improved health; (iii) improved product quality; (iv) improved disease resistance and reduced medication; (v) lower risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases; (vi) farmer job satisfaction and contributions to Corporate Social Responsibility; and (vii) the ability to command higher prices from consumers. Current conflicts between animal welfare and production may be resolved by future developments in genetics, management practices and new technology. Financial benefits reinforce, rather than replace, ethical arguments for good animal welfare.

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Modification of aviary design reduces incidence of falls, collisions and keel bone damage in laying hens

Cited by 100 publications

References 28 publications

Pathological characterization of keel bone fractures in laying hens does not support external trauma as the underlying cause

Pathological characterization of keel bone fractures in laying hens does not support external trauma as the underlying cause

Causes of keel bone damage and their solutions in laying hens

Animal welfare and efficient farming: is conflict inevitable?

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