Switzerland’s ZTHZ latest publication on keel bone fracture is now available online from Poultry Science. Susceptibility to fractures were assessed using an ex vivo impact testing protocol in combination with a study design that minimized environmental variation to focus on genetic differences. Results found dramatic differences between genetic lines confirming the important role of genetic factors to and their influence on keel damage.
The study also employed a developed dye technique which allowed individual eggs to be traced back to the source hen – results indicate that hens with relatively superior bone quality also produced stronger eggs with thicker shells.
Read more at Poultry Science!
Laura Candelotto, Ariane Stratmann, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Christina Rufener, Teun van de Braak, Michael J. Toscano; Susceptibility to keel bone fractures in laying hens and the role of genetic variation. Poult Sci 2017 pex146. doi: 10.3382/ps/pex146