Effect of bedding type and transient wetness on footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens

Abstract

A high incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) is undesirable in broiler chicken production in terms of both animal welfare and profitability. Bedding type and bedding quality have been identified as possible causative agents of FPD. Four randomized block trials were conducted to determine whether bedding type and transient elevation in moisture influenced the incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. In addition to broiler growth performance and litter moisture, the incidence and severity of FPD was assessed at different ages. The incidence of FPD was significantly increased when the litter moisture was increased by wetting at 14 d of age, but not when the broilers were older than 56 d of age. The severity of FPD was reduced with the improvements in bedding quality. Moreover, particle size of the litter had a direct effect on the occurrence of FPD. Wetting treatment and litter type had little influence on the live performance of broilers in 4 successive trials. From the standpoint of FPD etiology, litter moisture level and particle size may be crucial factors in the development of FPD. Similarly, FPD may be occurring early in the grow-out period, and subsequent improvements in litter quality could reverse the severity of lesions in market-age broilers. © 2011 Poultry Science association, inc.