Litter quality in broiler sheds directly affects footpad health, cleanliness, and welfare, with wet litter causing painful contact dermatitis affecting millions of birds.
Footpad dermatitis (FPD) causes painful lesions on the plantar surface of broiler feet, graded from mild superficial burns (Grade 1) to deep ulcerative lesions (Grade 3) affecting the underlying tissue. Birds with Grade 3 lesions spend more time lying and show reduced gait quality, indicating significant pain. FPD is almost entirely preventable through appropriate stocking density, ventilation, drinker design, and litter management. Its prevalence is a direct measure of husbandry quality.