Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Litter Quality and Footpad Welfare

Footpad dermatitis caused by poor litter quality affects millions of broiler chickens and is a key welfare indicator that is measurable, preventable, and increasingly monitored.

Key Facts

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) affects an estimated 40-80% of conventionally farmed broilers at some level
Severe FPD causes painful erosive lesions that impair walking and feeding behaviour
Litter moisture content above 30-35% is the primary driver of FPD development
Correct ventilation management and dietary adjustments can significantly reduce FPD rates
FPD scoring at slaughter plants provides flock-level welfare feedback to farmers

Welfare Considerations

Footpad dermatitis is one of the most monitored welfare indicators in broiler production because it is measurable at slaughter and directly linked to management practices. Severe FPD causes chronic foot pain that alters walking gait and reduces feeding frequency. The condition is almost entirely preventable through appropriate litter management, ventilation, and stocking density - when it is prevalent, it indicates that basic welfare management is inadequate.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from producers with documented low FPD rates
Support welfare auditing schemes that include mandatory FPD scoring
Advocate for FPD threshold requirements in farm assurance standards
Engage with retailers about supplier FPD performance data
Support research into optimal litter management practices