Litter quality in poultry houses directly affects respiratory health, foot health, and overall welfare of broiler chickens and turkeys. Management practices can dramatically improve or worsen litter conditions.
Litter quality is both a welfare indicator and a welfare determinant in poultry housing. Birds in poor litter conditions suffer painful foot lesions, respiratory irritation from ammonia, and increased disease risk. The financial pressure to increase stocking density — which degrades litter quality — conflicts directly with welfare. Good litter management requires investment in ventilation systems, water management, and careful monitoring. Footpad dermatitis scoring is increasingly used as a proxy welfare indicator that can drive management improvements throughout the supply chain.