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Limb bone strength and movement in laying hens from different housing systems
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University.
The Veterinary Record
|April 14, 1990
Summary
Laying hens in battery cages show significantly weaker bones due to insufficient movement, increasing risks of osteopenia and bone fragility compared to perchery or terrace systems.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Avian Biology
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Housing systems for laying hens vary in spatial freedom.
- Limited movement can impact bone health in poultry.
- Osteopenia and bone fragility are concerns in commercial egg production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone strength and movement in laying hens across different housing systems.
- To investigate the relationship between spatial freedom and bone health in ISA brown laying hens.
- To assess the impact of housing on osteopenia and bone fragility.
Main Methods:
- Recording walking and wing movements in 61-week-old ISA brown laying hens.
- Measuring breaking strengths of humerus and tibia post-slaughter.
- Comparing bone properties across three housing systems: battery cages, Elson terrace, and perchery.
Main Results:
- Battery cage birds exhibited the least movement and weakest bones, with humeri at 54% of perchery bird strength.
- Elson terrace birds were heavier with stronger tibiae than cage birds.
- Terrace birds showed weaker humeri and fewer wing movements than perchery birds.
Conclusions:
- Battery cage systems provide insufficient movement for laying hens, leading to severe osteopenia and bone fragility.
- Housing systems allowing greater spatial freedom (perchery, Elson terrace) support better bone health.
- Movement is critical for maintaining bone integrity in commercial laying hens.