The quality of litter in poultry houses profoundly affects the welfare of broiler chickens and laying hens, influencing foot health, respiratory conditions, and behavioural opportunities.
Litter quality is among the most manageable and impactful welfare variables in poultry production. Poor litter — wet, compacted, or ammonia-saturated — causes a cascade of welfare problems: chemical burns on the skin of legs and feet from prolonged contact with wet, bacteria-rich substrate; respiratory irritation that causes sneezing, eye weeping, and chronic low-grade discomfort; and complete prevention of dust bathing, which is a strongly motivated natural behaviour for hens. Footpad dermatitis is painful — birds with severe lesions walk less, access feed and water less, and have reduced quality of life. EU exit data from slaughter plants measures FPD prevalence and severity, providing a system-level feedback mechanism that, when acted upon, drives farm-level management improvements. Good ventilation management is the primary intervention: controlling house humidity through appropriate stocking density, drinker management, and air exchange keeps litter dry and reduces ammonia. The welfare case for good litter management is reinforced by a production case — healthy, comfortable birds grow more efficiently and have lower medication costs.