AI X-rays could fast‑track stronger bones in laying hens

An end‑to‑end deep‑learning workflow that “reads” standard X‑rays of chicken legs and predicts bone strength could give breeders a fast, non‑invasive way to select for skeletal robustness, supporting better welfare at scale. Bone damage remains a major welfare challenge in modern egg production. While non‑cage systems improve mobility and stimulate bone loading, fractures – especially of the keel – still occur too often. Keel assessment in live birds is difficult be