Skeletal problems in contemporary commercial laying hens.

Abstract Modern global commercial egg production is undergoing dramatic changes in response to factors ranging from improved understanding and methodologies of genetics and nutrition and changes in housing, to the demands of consumers. Many of these changes are positive since they are associated with improvements to productivity and animal welfare, although the changes have also introduced new challenges and problems around the general issue of poor bone health of hens. In this chapter, two major skeletal problems of laying hens (keel bone damage and bone breakage during depopulation) are reviewed following an initial background of pullet bone development and factors that influence bone health of adult hens. While poor skeletal health is often attributed to the relatively high and sustained production of eggs, the ultimate effect is likely mitigated by additional factors such as bone maturation rates, rearing, and hen behavior. For each problem, likely causes and solutions are discussed and needed information is identified.