TY  - JOUR
TI  - Keel Bone Damage in Laying Hens
AB  - The use of alternative housing systems is increasing in response to the press of animal rightsorganisations and animal welfare-sensitive consumers. Pursuant to animal welfare legislation, it hasbecome compulsory in the European Union member states to house laying hens in enriched cages oraviaries. However, one of the main problems associated with these housing systems is the frequentoccurrence of skeletal damage, as a result of the reflexive movements of freely roaming animals.Owing to its protrusive anatomical structure, one of the most easily damaged skeletal parts is thesternum. Damage to the sternum is also referred to as keel bone damage. The term “keel bone damage”is used to describe bone deformities or fractures, which have long been named as bone anomalies inlaying hens. Keel bone damage is a chronic disorder, which adversely affects the profitability of eggfarms. Being a multifactorial disorder, it is difficult to identify the primary cause of keel bone damage,as many underlying reasons could be involved in its aetiology. Skilled and experienced practitionerscan readily diagnose keel bone damage by palpating the sternal region. This study reviews thesignificance of keel bone damage for the egg sector and the welfare of laying hens.
AU  - Küreksiz, Ayşe
AU  - LAÇİN, Ekrem
DO  - 10.34233/jpr.782964
PY  - 2020
JO  - Tavukçuluk Araştırma Dergisi
VL  - 17
IS  - 2
SN  - 1302-3209
SP  - 50
EP  - 55
DB  - TRDizin
UR  - http://search/yayin/detay/462586
ER  -