How litter quality in broiler and laying hen houses directly affects foot health, respiratory welfare and overall flock wellbeing.
Litter quality has a direct and measurable impact on poultry welfare across multiple dimensions simultaneously. Wet, ammonia-rich litter causes contact dermatitis on feet and hocks, ocular irritation and chronic respiratory inflammation in birds spending their entire lives on that surface. The welfare costs of poor litter management are compounding: foot pad lesions cause pain that reduces movement and access to feed and water, further compromising welfare and production. The welfare and production interests are tightly aligned for litter management - dry, clean litter reduces disease burden, reduces medication requirements and improves flock welfare outcomes that are increasingly required by retailer assurance schemes.