Litter Quality and Broiler Welfare

Litter quality in broiler sheds is a key determinant of welfare — poor litter causes footpad dermatitis, hock burns, and breast blisters that affect millions of chickens.

Key Facts

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) affects up to 80% of broilers in some flocks, causing painful lesions on the foot
Poor litter quality — wet, compacted, or high in ammonia — is the primary cause of FPD and hock burn
Monitoring FPD at slaughter is a key welfare indicator used in the UK and EU
Stocking density, ventilation, water nipple management, and litter substrate all affect litter quality
Lower stocking densities significantly improve litter quality and reduce FPD prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Litter quality is one of the most practically impactful welfare variables in broiler production. Wet, compacted litter burns the skin of birds forced to rest on it — FPD causes lameness, pain, and reduced ability to access feed and water. Hock burns and breast blisters compound this suffering. The root causes are manageable through good ventilation, appropriate stocking density, and litter management. Mandatory FPD scoring at slaughter lines creates a direct feedback loop between slaughter findings and on-farm welfare, making it one of the most effective monitoring tools available.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory FPD monitoring and slaughter-line feedback systems
Advocate for lower stocking density limits in broiler production regulations
Choose chicken from certified higher-welfare producers with documented FPD standards
Encourage retailers to include FPD data in their supplier welfare reporting
Support research into litter management practices that minimise FPD at commercial scale