![Sample our Food Science & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5936/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Food-Science-Technology.jpg"})
Abstract
1. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of keel bone deformities of laying hens in Switzerland. The keel bones of 100 end-of-lay hens from each of 39 flocks (3900 in total) were palpated.
2. On average, 25·4% of the hens had moderately or severely deformed keel bones and the overall prevalence including slight deformities was 55%.
3. Variation between flocks was considerable. Thus, the prevalence of moderately or severely deformed keel bones ranged from 6 to 48%, and the overall prevalence including slight deformities ranged from 20 to 83%.
4. Aviary housing was associated with a higher prevalence of total, and severe or moderate deformations, compared with floor pens.
5. There were no significant differences in the number of deformities between the different plumage colours, hybrids or perch materials.
Acknowledgements
We thank C. Lobsiger and colleagues at the slaughter houses at Zell and Courtepin for their support and help. The FVO funded S.K. by a doctoral grant (No. 2·09·1). This work is part of a dissertation submitted to the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern.