Poultry litter quality is a major determinant of welfare in commercial chicken and turkey production, with wet or high-ammonia litter causing foot pad dermatitis, respiratory disease, and chronic discomfort.
Poultry litter management is a welfare intervention point that affects billions of birds daily. Foot pad dermatitis from wet litter causes chronic pain that impairs normal locomotion and behavior in large proportions of commercial flocks. The lesions are progressive — beginning as superficial discoloration and advancing to deep ulcers that can become infected. Birds with severe foot pad dermatitis spend more time lying and less time at feeders and drinkers, creating compounding welfare and nutritional consequences. Litter management that maintains dry conditions through appropriate ventilation, stocking density, and drinker management prevents this widespread and preventable welfare problem.