Litter quality in broiler houses is a major determinant of footpad dermatitis and contact dermatitis welfare outcomes in commercial chicken flocks.
Litter management is directly linked to the welfare of broilers through the impact of litter quality on footpad and contact dermatitis. Broilers that spend their lives in contact with wet, ammonia-rich litter develop lesions on feet, hocks, and breast skin that become increasingly painful as the condition progresses. Footpad dermatitis in particular impairs locomotion and access to resources, causing secondary welfare problems from hunger and thirst in birds unable to compete at feeders and drinkers. Effective litter management — through appropriate stocking density, good ventilation, water drinker management to prevent spills, and litter amendments — reduces lesion prevalence dramatically. Footpad dermatitis scoring at slaughter provides objective feedback that farms can use to improve management.