Rate of Growth and Calcification of the Sternum of Male and Female New Hampshire Chickens Having Crooked Keels

Buckner, Gregory D.; Insko, W. M.; Henry, Amanda H.; Wachs, E

doi:10.3382/ps.0280289

Cited by 19 publications

(19 citation statements)

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“…In addition to this, the late ossification of the caudal tip of the keel bone seems to represent a week spot in relation to the development of the fractures. Apparently, the ossification of the caudal tip of the keel bone (the area where fractures mainly are present) is not completed before the birds are 35-40 weeks old [41,42]. 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.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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: 98%

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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“…If the shift to an egg laying physiology was to occur early, the transition to development of medullary bone and the calcium requirement for egg formation might prevent or delay full ossification. The effect would be especially relevant in the keel, where ossification occurs relatively late ( Buckner et al., 1949 ). Given the existing knowledge of egg laying physiology and the associated changes in bone development, we need to consider evidence that AFE might affect bone quality.…”

Section: Additional Explanations For Kbf Susceptibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, the keel bone may be more susceptible to the effect of early puberty than other bones. The keel ossifies more slowly in comparison with other parts of the sternum, and much of the keel is still cartilaginous when puberty is reached ( Buckner et al., 1948 , 1949 ). The ossification delay may make it more vulnerable to fracture as the physiology of the birds shift to egg laying, resulting in poor calcification of the structure.…”

Section: Additional Explanations For Kbf Susceptibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bone formation occurs through ossification, a process of bone growth in which connective tissue or cartilage is replaced with bone tissue ( Bittner et al., 1998 ; Whitehead, 2004b ). Within the keel, ossification begins cranially and progresses to the caudal tip ( Buckner et al., 1949 ). The ossification of the caudal part of the keel is likely not completed until 30 to 40 wk of age based on the historical literature of laying hens from the 1940s ( Buckner et al., 1948 , 1949 ), although an examination of tibias in male broiler breeders supports the time frame remains relevant ( Rath et al., 2000 ).…”

Section: Additional Explanations For Kbf Susceptibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within the keel, ossification begins cranially and progresses to the caudal tip ( Buckner et al., 1949 ). The ossification of the caudal part of the keel is likely not completed until 30 to 40 wk of age based on the historical literature of laying hens from the 1940s ( Buckner et al., 1948 , 1949 ), although an examination of tibias in male broiler breeders supports the time frame remains relevant ( Rath et al., 2000 ). To the best of the authors' knowledge, no evidence of longitudinal observations on keel development and bone properties exist.…”

Section: Additional Explanations For Kbf Susceptibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Explanations for keel bone fractures in laying hens: are there explanations in addition to elevated egg production?

et al. 2020

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The current article served to provide the most up-to-date information regarding the causes of keel bone fracture. Although elevated and sustained egg production is likely a major contributing factor toward fractures, new information resulting from the development of novel methodologies suggests complementary causes that should be investigated. We identified 4 broad areas that could explain variation and increased fractures independent of or complementing elevated and sustained egg production: the age at first egg, late ossification of the keel, predisposing bone diseases, and inactivity leading to poor bone health. We also specified several topics that future research should target, which include continued efforts to link egg production and bone health, examination of noncommercial aves and traditional breeds, manipulating of age at first egg, a detailed histological and structural analysis of the keel, assessment of prefracture bone condition, and the relationship between individual activity patterns and bone health.

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Review: Welfare in farm animals from an animal-centred point of view

Huber

2024

animal

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Rate of Growth and Calcification of the Sternum of Male and Female New Hampshire Chickens Having Crooked Keels

Cited by 19 publications

References 1 publication

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

Explanations for keel bone fractures in laying hens: are there explanations in addition to elevated egg production?

Review: Welfare in farm animals from an animal-centred point of view

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