Rearing conditions and foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broiler chickens

A method of classification of broiler foot-health status was developed to estimate the prevalence of foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broilers. Data on foot health were collected from 101 commercial broiler flocks at slaughter. The producers were asked to fill in a questionnaire on rearing conditions and equipment for every flock. Lesions were commonly observed; only 62% of the birds were classified as being without lesions, 32% had mild lesions only (discoloration, erosions) and 6% had severe lesions (ulcers). Flocks reared in houses equipped with small water cups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than flocks reared with water nipples. Thick layers of litter, regardless of litter material, also resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than litter layers thinner than 5 cm.