Omega-3 could benefit laying hens
Millions of laying hens are affected by bone damage each year, and researchers from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences believe omega-3 could help to prevent this.
The three-year project, led by Dr John Tarlton and colleagues from the university, looked at the full biochemical and cellular mechanisms through which omega-3 is able to improve health.
Free range hens housed in full scale commercial systems, were given diets supplemented with omega-3 alpha linolenic acid. The skeletal benefits were investigated by comparison to standard diets rich in omega-6 linoleic acid.
Researchers found a 40 to 60 per cent reduction in keel bone breakage, and a corresponding reduction in breakage severity in the hens with an omega-3 supplemented diet.
The research group found a significantly higher bone mineral density, and improved bone structure in the omega-3 diets. Osteoblast and osteoclast markers also showed increases, suggesting enhanced bone turnover.
Dr Tarlton, senior research fellow in veterinary pathology and infection and immunity, said: “Bone fragility due to osteoporotic changes in laying hens is a major economic and welfare problem, with our recent estimates of breakage rates indicating up to 95 per cent of free range hens suffer breaks during lay in some housing systems.”
Dr Michael Toscano, a research associate working with Tarlton asserted that the research could lead to 68 million fewer hens suffering keel fractures in the EU every year.
The full study has been published in the journal BONE. It is thought the findings may well have implications for human patients suffering from osteoporosis, a condition that affects almost three million people in the UK.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
