Litter quality in broiler and turkey housing directly affects bird welfare through its impact on foot health, respiratory disease, and behavioural opportunities. Managing litter is one of the most impactful welfare interventions available.
Litter quality is a master variable in poultry welfare. Wet, compacted litter causes contact dermatitis that progresses from mild irritation to painful ulceration affecting feet, hocks, and breast. Birds with severe FPD move less, have reduced access to feed and water, and experience chronic pain. Simultaneously, ammonia from decomposing litter causes respiratory and ocular irritation. Conversely, good litter management enables dust bathing, foraging, and exploratory behaviour that are central to positive poultry welfare. Investment in ventilation, drinker maintenance, appropriate stocking density, and litter management pays welfare and productivity dividends throughout the production cycle.