Litter quality in broiler houses has major welfare implications, affecting foot health, respiratory condition, and behavioral opportunities. Managing litter quality is one of the most impactful broiler welfare interventions.
Litter quality is one of the most tractable and impactful broiler welfare improvements available to the industry. Footpad dermatitis - inflammation and ulceration of the foot pads from contact with wet, ammonia-rich litter - causes significant chronic pain and lameness. It is directly measurable at slaughter through footpad scoring, providing an objective welfare audit metric. Litter management improvements including appropriate ventilation, nipple drinker maintenance, and stocking density management reduce FPD prevalence. Making footpad scoring data publicly available and using it to drive management improvements is one of the most evidence-based approaches to broiler welfare improvement.