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Study to reduce bone fracture rate
Project to aid laying hens receives funding

 A new three-year study into keel bone fractures has been given a grant of £532,000 by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The study is to be led by researchers from the University of Bristol, and hopes to reduce bone fracture rates in laying hens, which is a major economic and welfare problem, with some free range systems seeing 80 per cent of hens suffering bone breakages.

With the 2012 EU ban on battery cage systems, as many as 30 million hens will be housed in alternative systems, largely free range. This could equate to around 24 million hens suffering bone breakages every year in the UK.

Collisions are thought to be the main cause of keel bone fractures in free range systems, but the difficulty in observing the breaks as they happen prevents a complete understanding of the issue.

Egg marketing company Noble Foods are to play a key role in overcoming this problem for the new research, by providing open and free access to their varied housing systems.

The study will begin by creating a mathematical model, replicating bird characteristics such as weight, age and the mechanical properties of the keel bone, as well as collision factors such as impact energy. The model will predict the likelihood and severity of fractures by helping to understand how these elements interact.

The model will then use live birds wearing specially designed vests fitted with tri-axial accelerometers, to measure the energy and frequency of impacts the birds experience. These will then be used to compare the frequency and severity of breakages within different housing systems.

Lead researcher Dr John Tarlton hopes that as a result of the findings, producers will be able to modify key elements of bird housing or physiology to "substantially reduce fracture rates."

He added: "If successful, this study will greatly improve the health and welfare of laying hens, enhance consumer attitudes to egg production, and promote the sustainability of the UK egg industry.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.