Radiographic Evaluation of Keel Bone Damage in Laying Hens—Morphologic and Temporal Observations in a Longitudinal Study

The keel bone of commercially kept laying hens is known to be frequently affected by morphologic changes such as fractures and deformations with important implications for animal welfare. To detect morphologic changes, various methods such as palpation, computed tomography and ultrasound are available, though radiography allows for the greatest level of detail in combination with the most ease of use. To explore the benefits of radiography in...