Litter quality in broiler houses directly affects bird welfare through hock burn, breast blisters and respiratory disease caused by ammonia accumulation.
Broiler litter quality is a fundamental welfare determinant that is often inadequately managed. Wet litter creates a positive feedback cycle: damp conditions cause hock burn, hock burn reduces movement, reduced movement means more time in wet litter, worsening the burns. Ammonia from wet, decomposing litter also causes respiratory irritation and eye damage. Litter management through appropriate ventilation, stocking density and regular caked litter removal is within the control of producers. Welfare audits that include hock burn scoring provide objective evidence of litter quality over time.