A tagged visual analog scale is a reliable method to assess keel bone deviations in laying hens from radiographs.

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

SUBMITTER: Jung L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9434373 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature