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Marggraff J, Gernand E, Ahlers C, Huchler M, Rautenschlein S, Donat K. Factors associated with keel bone damage - a longitudinal study of commercial layer flocks during the laying period. Br Poult Sci 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38578252 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2024.2326444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
1. Keel bone damage, such as deformations and fractures, is a severe problem regarding animal welfare in layers. To identify risk factors under commercial conditions, 33 layer flocks (22 barn, 11 free range) with white (n = 18), brown (n = 11) and mixed (n = 4) genotypes were examined.2. Keel bone status was frequently scored by palpation throughout the laying period. Data on housing and management conditions were collected. Multiple regression and Generalized Estimating Equations procedure were used for analysis.3. At 65-74 weeks of age, the prevalence of keel bone damage ranged between 26% and 74%. White genotypes and those kept in multi-tier systems developed significantly (p < 0.05) more keel bone damage than brown genotypes or those kept in single-tier systems. Wing feather condition was associated with keel bone damage (p < 0.05), while other investigated variables regarding health, housing and management were not associated.4. In conclusion, housing and management should be adapted to meet the birds' specific needs in multi-tier systems, which may vary for brown and white genotypes. Whether those differences result from genotype associated predispositions or other individual traits remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Marggraff
- Animal Health Service, Thuringian Animal Health Fund, Jena, Germany
| | - E Gernand
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Thuringian State Institute for Agriculture, Jena, Germany
| | - C Ahlers
- Animal Health Service, Thuringian Animal Health Fund, Jena, Germany
| | - M Huchler
- Thuringian Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family, Erfurt, Germany
| | - S Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - K Donat
- Animal Health Service, Thuringian Animal Health Fund, Jena, Germany
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology with Veterinary Ambulance, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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2
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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Gretarsson P, Kittelsen K, Moe RO, Vasdal G, Toftaker I. End of lay postmortem findings in aviary housed laying hens. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102332. [PMID: 36473383 PMCID: PMC9720333 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Good health and low mortality are constitutive elements of good animal welfare. In laying hens, mortality and pathological findings are usually reported as cumulative proportions from onset of lay to culling. However, knowledge of pathological lesions and causes of death specifically toward the end of the production period are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of postmortem lesions and tentative causes of death in non-beak trimmed, end of lay hens, housed in multitiered aviary systems. A convenience sample of 48 flocks was recruited. In each flock, layers dead between wk 65 and 70 were necropsied in the field. In total, 482 layers were subjected to postmortem examination. The 4 most common pathological lesions were keel bone fracture (KBF) (92%), fatty liver (42%), emaciation (23%), and salpingitis (22%). Apart from keel bone fracture, the relative frequency of the pathological lesions variated between flocks, indicating that flock is an important factor. Common tentative causes of death were salpingitis (18%) and fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) (13%). This study sheds light on health challenges aviary housed layers are facing end of lay, which is crucial knowledge in the development of preventive measures to secure good health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Páll Gretarsson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway,Corresponding author:
| | - Käthe Kittelsen
- Animalia – The Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Randi O. Moe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Guro Vasdal
- Animalia – The Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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4
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Jung L, Rufener C, Petow S. A tagged visual analog scale is a reliable method to assess keel bone deviations in laying hens from radiographs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:937119. [PMID: 36061110 PMCID: PMC9434373 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.937119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Laying hens often suffer from keel bone damage (KBD) that includes pathologies with different etiologies, like diverse forms of fractures and deviations. Since KBD is a problem in all countries and housing systems, methods for the assessment of deviations are urgently needed. Comparisons between genetic lines and between studies are important to detect underlying mechanisms. Field researchers often use palpation as a low-cost and feasible technique for the assessment of KBD. In contrast to palpation, radiography is effective and highly precise at least in detecting keel bone fractures. The aim of this study was to: i) develop a scoring system to assess keel bone deviations from radiographs, ii) to assess inter- and intra-observer reliability of this scoring system, and iii) to investigate whether fractures and deviations of the keel are correlated. In total, 192 hens were used for the investigation. Digital radiographs were taken and evaluated for all hens after slaughter. We developed a tagged visual analog scale with two extreme images as anchors and four intermediate tags, resulting in six images representing the range from “no deviation” to “highly deviated” on a 10 cm line. Eleven participants scored 50 radiographs of keels with varying degree of severity, whereas five images were scored twice to assess intra-observer reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-observer reliability was 0.979 with a confidence interval of 0.968 < ICC < 0.987 (F49,268 = 54.2, p < 0.0001). Intraclass correlation coefficient for intra-observer reliability was 0.831 with a confidence interval of 0.727 < ICC < 0.898 (F54,55 = 10.8, p < 0.0001). Individual intra-observer reliability ranged from 0.6 to 0.949. The Spearman correlation showed a strong positive correlation of fractures and deviations (sroh= 0.803, p < 0.001). The tagged visual analog scale could be a reliable instrument for the scoring of keel bone deviations. Our results support the assumption that the majority of highly deviated keels suffer from fractures as well. Further research is needed to investigate the correlation of palpation scores with the evaluation on radiographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jung
- Animal Breeding Section, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- Lisa Jung
| | - Christina Rufener
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Petow
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stefanie Petow
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5
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Thøfner ICN, Dahl J, Christensen JP. Keel bone fractures in Danish laying hens: Prevalence and risk factors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256105. [PMID: 34388183 PMCID: PMC8362975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Keel bone fractures (KBF) in commercial poultry production systems are a major welfare problem with possible economic consequences for the poultry industry. Recent investigations suggest that the overall situation may be worsening. Depending on the housing system, fracture prevalences exceeding 80% have been reported from different countries. No specific causes have yet been identified and this has consequently hampered risk factor identification. The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of KBF in Danish layer hens and to identify risk factors in relation to KBF in all major productions systems, including parent stock production. For risk factor identification, production data from the included flocks was used. In total, 4794 birds from 40 flocks were investigated at end-of-lay. All birds were euthanized on farm and underwent inspection and palpation followed by necropsy. All observations were recorded and subsequently analysed using the SAS statistical software package. In flocks from non-caged systems, fracture prevalence in the range 53%-100%, was observed whereas the prevalence in flocks from enriched cages ranged between 50–98%. Furthermore, often multiple fractures (≥4) were observed in individual birds (range 5–81% of the birds with fractures) depending on the flock. The localization of the fractures at the distal end of the keel bone is highly consistent in all flocks (>96%). Macroscopically the fractures varied morphologically from an appearance with an almost total absence of callus, most frequently observed in caged birds, to large callus formations in and around the fracture lines, which was a typical finding in non-caged birds. Despite being housed under cage-free conditions, parent birds had significantly fewer fractures (all flocks were 60 weeks old) per bird, than other birds from cage-free systems. The body weight at end-of-lay had an effect on the risk of having fractures, heavy hens have significantly fewer fractures at end-of-lay. The older the hens were at onset of lay, the lower was the flock prevalence at end-of-lay. Additionally, the daily egg size at onset of lay was of importance for the risk of developing fractures, the production of heavier eggs initially, resulted in higher fracture prevalence at depopulation. The odds ratio of body weight, (+100 g) was 0.97, age at onset of lay (+1 week) was 0.87 and daily egg weight at onset (+1 gram) was 1.03. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a very high prevalence of KBF in hens from all production systems and identified hen size, age at onset of lay and daily egg weight at onset of lay to be major risk factors for development of KBF in the modern laying hen. Further research regarding this is warranted to strengthen the longevity and enhance the welfare of laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida C. N. Thøfner
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan Dahl
- Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Christensen
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Campbell DLM. Skeletal health of layers across all housing systems and future research directions for Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Modern laying hens have been selected for an astounding rate of egg production, but the physiological calcium demand takes a significant toll on their skeletal health. Bones can be assessed both in vivo and ex vivo, using a combination of different structural and mechanical analysis methods. Typically, the properties of leg, wing and keel bones are measured. Conventional caged layers are restricted in movement, which imbalances structural bone resorption and new bone formation, resulting in osteoporosis. Hens within alternative housing systems have opportunities to exercise for strengthening bones, but they can also suffer from higher rates of keel fractures and/or deviations that are likely to have resulted from collisions or pressure force. Limited research has been conducted within Australian commercial housing systems to assess hen skeletal health, including prevalence of keel damage across different system types. Research conducted on both brown and white hen strains approximately within the past decade internationally (2009 onward) has shown that skeletal health is impaired across all housing systems. Keel-bone damage is of specific concern as it occurs at high rates, particularly in multi-tiered systems, is painful, can alter hen behaviour, and reduce both production and egg quality. Management strategies such as the provision of ramps to access perches and tiers can reduce the incidence of keel-bone damage to a degree. Bone strength can be improved through exercise opportunities, particularly when available during pullet rearing. Genetic selection for high bone strength may be necessary for hens to adequately adapt to loose-housed systems, but the best strategy for improving skeletal health is likely to be multifactorial.
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Kittelsen KE, Moe RO, Hansen TB, Toftaker I, Christensen JP, Vasdal G. A Descriptive Study of Keel Bone Fractures in Hens and Roosters from Four Non-Commercial Laying Breeds Housed in Furnished Cages. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112192. [PMID: 33238563 PMCID: PMC7700571 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of keel bone fractures (KBF) in laying hens has been documented and discussed by several authors, nevertheless the causative factors behind KBF remain uncertain. High prevalence of KBF have been reported in all commercial egg production systems, in different genetic lines and at different ages. Several of the proposed causal mechanisms behind KBF are linked to selection for efficient production. It is, therefore, of interest to explore whether less selected breeds have a lower occurrence of keel bone fractures compared to reports from highly selected, modern laying hen breeds. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate keel bones of hens from four non-commercial layer breeds. Birds were housed in furnished cages and keel bones examined at 30 and 63 weeks of age, using a portable X-ray equipment. The results from this descriptive study indicate a low prevalence of KBF at both ages in all four breeds, with only five KBF detected in 213 X-ray pictures taken from 126 birds. Of these, four of the KBF were observed in the most genetically selected breed, with an early onset of lay. None of the roosters examined exhibited KBF. The overall low numbers of KBF found indicate that genetic factors may be involved in KBF and, thus that selective breeding may help to reduce the susceptibility to KBF. Finally, this study highlights the importance of poultry conservation to secure genetic diversity, which may be an important resource in future selection schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Käthe Elise Kittelsen
- Animalia—The Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Lorenveien 38, NO-0585 Oslo, Norway; (T.B.H.); (G.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-906-05027
| | - Randi Oppermann Moe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU—Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 dep., NO-0033 Oslo, Norway; (R.O.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Tone Beate Hansen
- Animalia—The Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Lorenveien 38, NO-0585 Oslo, Norway; (T.B.H.); (G.V.)
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, NMBU—Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 dep., NO-0033 Oslo, Norway; (R.O.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Jens Peter Christensen
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Guro Vasdal
- Animalia—The Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Lorenveien 38, NO-0585 Oslo, Norway; (T.B.H.); (G.V.)
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8
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Prevalence of Keel Bone Damage in Red Jungle Fowls ( Gallus gallus)-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091655. [PMID: 32942644 PMCID: PMC7552280 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Keel bone damage (KBD) is a highly prevalent problem in commercial egg production. KBD consists of two different conditions affecting the keel: Keel bone deviation and keel bone fractures (KBF). Deviations are linked to pressure on the keel, e.g., from perching. The causative factors for KBF are not clear; however, selection for efficient egg production has been suggested as a major contributing factor. An important step to shed light on the role of selective breeding as an underlying cause of KBF in modern laying hens is to evaluate the keel bones of the ancestor, the red jungle fowl. To the authors' knowledge, this has never previously been published. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the prevalence of KBD in a study group of red jungle hens and roosters housed in an aviary system. The present study examined 29 red jungle fowls 112 weeks of age post-mortem; 12 hens and 17 roosters. Keel bones were evaluated by external palpation for deviations and fractures. Palpation was followed by autopsy. No fractures were detected in the 17 roosters; one had a very slight deviation. Of the 12 red jungle hens in this pilot study, one had a single fracture and 10 hens had a very slight deviation.
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9
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Toscano MJ, Dunn IC, Christensen JP, Petow S, Kittelsen K, Ulrich R. Explanations for keel bone fractures in laying hens: are there explanations in addition to elevated egg production? Poult Sci 2020; 99:4183-4194. [PMID: 32867962 PMCID: PMC7597989 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Toscano
- Centre for Proper Housing of Poultry and Rabbits, VPHI Institute, Universität Bern, Zollikofen, 3052 Switzerland.
| | - Ian C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH25 9RG Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jens-Peter Christensen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Stefanie Petow
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health,Celle, Germany
| | - Kathe Kittelsen
- Animalia- the Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, N-0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Rufener C, Makagon MM. Keel bone fractures in laying hens: a systematic review of prevalence across age, housing systems, and strains. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S36-S51. [PMID: 32810250 PMCID: PMC7433929 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Rufener
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Maja M Makagon
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA
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11
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Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Rufener C, Stratmann A. Improving intra- and inter-observer repeatability and accuracy of keel bone assessment by training with radiographs. Poult Sci 2020; 98:5234-5240. [PMID: 31581757 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing keel bone damage reliably and accurately is a requirement for all research on this topic. Most commonly, assessment is done on live birds by palpation and is therefore prone to bias. A 2-day Training School of the COST Action "Identifying causes and solutions of keel bone damage in laying hens" with 16 participants of variable experience was held where palpation of live hens was followed by consulting corresponding radiographic images of keel bones. We hypothesized that the inter-observer and intra-observer repeatabilities as well as the agreement between palpation and assessment from the radiograph (considered as the accuracy) would increase from day 1 to 2. Repeatability estimates were calculated using the R-package rptR and the change in level of accuracy on day 1 and 2 was analyzed with generalized linear models. As predicted, the inter-observer repeatabilities of the assessments of the fractures and deviations were improved by training, but this improvement differed for fractures and deviations between the cranial, middle, and caudal parts of the keel bone. Intra-observer repeatabilities before training also differed between the different parts of the keel bone and were highest for fractures at the caudal part of the keel bone. The training affected the accuracy of palpation to different degrees for the different parts of the keel bone. A training effect was found for the caudal part of the keel bone in regard to fractures and deviations, but for fractures the training effect was missing for the cranial part and for deviations it was missing for the middle part of the keel bone. In conclusion, the training school involving radiographs improved inter-observer repeatabilities in the diagnosis of fractures and deviations of keel bones and thus had the potential to lead to more comparable results among research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine G Gebhardt-Henrich
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Zollikofen, 3052, Switzerland
| | - Christina Rufener
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Zollikofen, 3052, Switzerland
| | - Ariane Stratmann
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Zollikofen, 3052, Switzerland
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12
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Tracy LM, Temple SM, Bennett DC, Sprayberry KA, Makagon MM, Blatchford RA. The Reliability and Accuracy of Palpation, Radiography, and Sonography for the Detection of Keel Bone Damage. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110894. [PMID: 31683826 PMCID: PMC6912489 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Due to the recent increase in reports of the prevalence of keel bone damage in laying hens, this has become a topic of welfare concern. Keel bone damage is often in the form of a fracture, and therefore may compromise the hen’s welfare. Detecting keel bone damage in live hens has been problematic, as the bone must either be palpated, which is a measure poor in accuracy, or dissected, in which case the hen must be sacrificed. However, use of imaging technology is increasing in experimental studies. We set out to determine if training with feedback on accuracy could improve palpation accuracy, as well as to determine the accuracy of portable radiography and sonography to detect keel bone damage. Even with feedback, palpation remained an inaccurate method, while both radiography and sonography showed high accuracy for detecting fractures. These two techniques show promise in detecting keel bone fractures in live birds. Abstract Palpation is the most popular method of measuring keel bone damage on live birds, although it has been criticized for being subjective and inaccurate. The goals of this study were to examine intra- and inter-rater reliability when trained with feedback of accuracy, as well as determine the accuracy of portable radiography and sonography. Four evaluators palpated 50 103-week old Lohmann LSL-lite hens immediately following euthanasia. Of those birds, 34 were then radiographed, sonographed, and all 50 were re-palpated. Lastly, the keels were dissected and scored. The presence of deviations (DEV), fractures (FR), and tip fractures (TFR) was scored for each method. Reliability of palpation was analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha (intra) and Fleiss’ Kappa (inter) tests. Radiography and Sonography scores were further compared with dissection scores to determine sensitivity and specificity. Initial inter-observer reliability was 0.39 DEV, 0.53 FR, and 0.12 TFR, with similar scores for the second round of palpation. Scores for intra-observer reliability ranged from 0.58–0.79 DEV, 0.66–0.90 FR, and 0.37–0.87 TFR. A high prevalence of TFR, but low assessor agreement, warrants the development of specialized training for the palpation of this area. Both radiography and sonography showed relatively high sensitivity for FR and TFR, but low for DEV. On the other hand, specificity was generally high across all damage types. Even with feedback, palpation reliability was poor. However, portable radiography and sonography show promise for detecting keel fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea M Tracy
- Department of Population Health, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - S Mieko Temple
- Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.
| | - Darin C Bennett
- Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.
| | - Kim A Sprayberry
- Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.
| | - Maja M Makagon
- Center for Animal Welfare, Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Richard A Blatchford
- Center for Animal Welfare, Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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13
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Rørvang MV, Hinrichsen LK, Riber AB. Welfare of layers housed in small furnished cages on Danish commercial farms: the condition of keel bone, feet, plumage and skin. Br Poult Sci 2018; 60:1-7. [PMID: 30295510 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2018.1533632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
1. An on-farm assessment of keel bone, feet, plumage and skin damage was conducted in layers in small furnished cages to evaluate welfare implications. 2. Thirteen farms participated, all housing Lohmann LSL layers in systems allowing 8 or 10 hens per cage. 3. Each flock was visited at three different ages: 32, 62 and 77 weeks. During each visit, 100 hens were examined for keel bone fractures and deviations, plumage damage, body wounds, foot pad lesions, bumble feet, missing toes and toe wounds. 4. A deterioration with age of the condition of the plumage and keel bone was found (P < 0.001). At 77 weeks of age, 16% of the birds had poor plumage, and 43% of the birds had keel bone damage. In contrast, foot pad lesions were most prevalent at 32 weeks of age (13%), whereas the other foot injuries and body wounds remained at a relatively low level throughout the three ages examined. 5. Prevention of damage to the keel bone, plumage and foot pads should therefore be considered when aiming to improve welfare of laying hens housed in small furnished cages.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Rørvang
- a AU Foulum, Department of Animal Science , Aarhus University , Tjele , Denmark
| | - L K Hinrichsen
- a AU Foulum, Department of Animal Science , Aarhus University , Tjele , Denmark
| | - A B Riber
- a AU Foulum, Department of Animal Science , Aarhus University , Tjele , Denmark
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