Litter quality in poultry housing is a critical welfare determinant, with wet or contaminated litter causing foot pad dermatitis, hock burns, and respiratory problems in broilers and layers.
Litter quality is one of the most actionable welfare parameters in poultry housing and one of the most commonly compromised. Wet litter from poor ventilation, leaking drinkers, or high stocking density creates conditions for dermatitis development. Foot pad lesions cause pain and impair feeding and social behavior. Hock burns from resting in wet litter cause chronic skin damage. Ammonia from wet litter irritates respiratory systems. Despite being entirely preventable through management, foot pad dermatitis affects the majority of commercial broilers globally. Regular monitoring of litter moisture and condition, appropriate stocking density, well-maintained drinker systems, and adequate ventilation can maintain good litter quality. Mandatory footpad scoring programs linked to abattoir data create incentives for farmers to improve litter management.