Effect of litter type and perches on footpad dermatitis and hock burn in broilers housed at different stocking densities

K Matković,S Matković,M Ostović,H Lucić,A Ekert Kabalin,Ž Pavičić,D Marušić

doi:10.4314/sajas.v49i3.15

K Matković, S Matković + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v49i3.15

Copy DOI

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of litter type and environmental enrichment on the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers housed at low and high stocking densities. Chopped straw and sand were used as litter, and perches as environmental enrichment. Low and high stocking density implied 12 chickens/m 2 and 20 chickens/m 2 , respectively. The study sample was divided into four groups of 50 birds, which were observed during a six-week fattening period. A significantly higher rate of severe footpad dermatitis was recorded in the group of chickens raised on sand at high stocking density, compared with low stocking density, whereas no significant difference was found between the groups of chickens raised on straw at different stocking densities. The rate of footpad dermatitis was also significantly higher in the group of chickens raised on sand at high stocking density, compared with chickens raised on straw at the same stocking density. There were no group differences in the occurrences of hock burns and perching. However, a significant negative correlation was recorded between perching and the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns. According to the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns, the study results suggested that chopped straw and sand were equally acceptable as litter for broilers, yet sand should be avoided at high stocking densities. There was no effect of stocking density and litter type on perching, but perches as a form of environmental enrichment proved efficient in reducing the rate of footpad dermatitis and hock burns. Keywords: chickens, contact dermatitis, environmental enrichment, housing, sand

Highlights

Broiler welfare is defined primarily by the genetics, which determines body mass and bone system abnormalities and mobility, all this in synergy with the environment
A significantly higher rate of severe footpad dermatitis was recorded in the group of chickens raised on sand at high stocking density, compared with low stocking density, whereas no significant difference was found between the groups of chickens raised on straw at different stocking densities
According to the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns, the study results suggested that chopped straw and sand were acceptable as litter for broilers, yet sand should be avoided at high stocking densities

Summary

Introduction

Broiler welfare is defined primarily by the genetics, which determines body mass and bone system abnormalities and mobility, all this in synergy with the environment. The genetically determined fast growth of broilers results in their decreased activity and prolonged time they spend sitting. This, in combination with poor litter quality, favours the development of leg disorders such as footpad dermatitis (FPD) and hock burns (HB) (Bessei, 2006; Shepherd & Fairchild, 2010). Footpad dermatitis and HB are a type of contact dermatitis, which refers to breast blisters, which is characterized by hyperkeratosis and epidermal necrosis, and even tissue ulceration with subcutaneous inflammatory reaction in the most severe cases (Greene et al, 1985; Swiatkiewicz et al, 2017). Broilers cannot walk, feed and drink normally anymore, and spend more time sitting and resting, failing to thrive.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion