Is range usage at the onset of egg production associated with tibial bone mineral density at the end of lay?

Abstract

Osteoporosis in laying hens is of health, welfare, and economic concern. During the onset of lay, hens rapidly build up the amount of medullary bone which has less structural integrity instead of structural bone formation (Whitehead, 2004). However, freedom of movement in cage free systems can stimulate structural bone formation to avoid mechanical failure which may improve bone health at the end of laying period. The aim of this study was to compare the ultrastructure features in laying hen tibia and to compare these parameters in hens with different range usage.