Litter quality in broiler and laying hen housing profoundly affects bird health and welfare. Wet, compacted litter causes foot pad dermatitis, hock burns, and respiratory disease.
Litter quality is one of the most direct indicators of poultry welfare in housed systems. When litter becomes wet — from drinker leaks, inadequate ventilation, or high stocking density — ammonia levels rise, causing respiratory irritation, eye inflammation, and chemical burns on the birds' skin. Foot pad dermatitis progresses from mild skin discoloration to deep ulceration that causes measurable lameness and pain. Birds with severe FPD reduce their movement and time at feeders, compromising growth and quality of life. Regular monitoring of litter moisture, footpad scoring at slaughter, and ventilation management are the key interventions. Footpad scoring at the abattoir provides valuable welfare feedback to farms and is increasingly used by retailers and welfare auditors.