Rearing conditions and foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish turkey poults

A method previously developed for classification of broiler foot health status was used in order to estimate the prevalence of foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish turkey poults. Data on foot health were collected from 53 commercial turkey flocks at slaughter. The producers were asked to fill in a questionnaire on rearing conditions and equipment for every flock. Lesions were very commonly observed, only 2% of the feet were classified as being without lesions, 78% had mild lesions (discoloration, erosions), and 20% had severe lesions (ulcers). There was a significant (p < 0.01) effect of litter material on the presence of severe foot-pad dermatitis, flocks reared on straw showing higher prevalence than flocks reared on wood shavings. There was also a significant (p < 0.001) effect of the type of water system, severe foot-pad dermatitis being more common in flocks reared in houses equipped with bell drinkers compared with flocks reared with small cups. The addition of extra litter during the rearing period resulted in significantly (p < 0.01) lower prevalence of lesions compared with flocks where no extra litter had been added.