Poor litter quality in broiler houses causes foot pad dermatitis and hock burns affecting the majority of birds in some systems; litter management is the primary welfare lever.
Foot pad dermatitis is among the most prevalent welfare conditions in commercial poultry, with lesion prevalence serving as a reliable indicator of overall flock welfare status. Wet litter chemistry burns the delicate skin of broiler feet, causing progressive lesions that deepen over the bird's life. Severe lesions cause pain that reduces movement, feeding efficiency, and overall welfare. Litter management through appropriate stocking density, ventilation design, drinker management to reduce spillage, and strategic litter dry-out or replacement is highly effective at preventing FPD without additional cost.