Genetics of tibia bone properties of crossbred commercial laying hens in different housing systems.

ABSTRACT: Osteoporosis and bone fractures are a severe problem for the welfare of laying hens, with genetics and environment, such as housing system, each making substantial contributions to bone strength. In this work, we performed genetic analyses of bone strength, bone mineral density, and bone composition, as well as body weight, in 860 commercial crossbred laying hens from 2 different companies, kept in either furnished cages or floor pens. We compared bone traits between housing systems and crossbreds and performed a genome-wide association study of bone properties and body weight. As expected, the 2 housing systems produced a large difference in bone strength, with layers housed in floor pens having stronger bones. These differences were accompanied by differences in bone geometry, mineraliza

SUBMITTER: Johnsson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9911068 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature