Severity Of Footpad Dermatitis Research Articles

Effects of fat content and source as well as of calcium and potassium content in the diet on fat excretion and saponification, litter quality and foot pad health in broilers

Summary Fat content of poultry diets and a formation of soaps from fatty acids and macro minerals in the intestinal tract of animals are often discussed in regard to nutrient digestibility and energy value, but the information about the effects on litter quality and foot pad health is limited. Therefore this study was conducted to investigate the potential impact of fat and soap contents in broilers’ excreta on dry matter (dm) content of excreta and litter as well as on development and severity of foot pad dermatitis. In a first experiment a total of 200 broilers (in two consecutive trials) were housed in floor pens littered with wood shavings and were fed diets differing in fat content (55 or 110Â g/kg dm), fat source (mixed fat, palm oil and palm fatty acid distillate, PFAD) and also in dietary calcium and potassium levels (7.5/6.0 resp. 15.0/14.5Â g/kg dm). Samples of excreta and litter were taken and foot pad health of the birds was recorded weekly according to a macroscopic score of 0 to 8. In a second experiment with 104 broilers half of the birds were exposed daily for 8 hours to litter (wood shavings) enriched with a mix of two soaps (potassium oleat and stearate, 50:50) in a concentration of 2 resp. 5% at different dm contents of the litter (85 resp. 65%). A weekly macroscopically assessment of the foot pad health was done. In Trial 1 high dietary fat contents or the use of palm oil or PFAD led to considerable fat losses via excreta (up to 134Â g/kg dm). If there were, in parallel, high dietary contents of Ca and K, a remarkable saponification was observed (up to 92.9Â g/kg dm), but this did not go along with lower litter quality or higher FPD scores. Also in the 2nd experiment the exposure to high soap contents in the litter did not have negative effects on foot pad health. Only slight lesions were observed over the experimental period. As a result of this study it can be assumed that the formation of soaps in the intestinal tract of broilers from fatty acids and minerals did not have marked influences on the development and severity of foot pad dermatitis. Overall, foot pad health was enhanced by high fat excretion, which might be due to the binding of potassium in soaps. Thus, it could not be absorbed – and therefore would not be excreted via urine and cause poorer litter quality. The observed effect of high dietary fat contents on fat and soap excretion may give reason for a critical assessment regarding energy value and costs, when fat is used at higher dietary levels, especially when substituting cereal energy.

Effect of different litter materials on foot pad dermatitis, hock burn and feather coverage in broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feather coverage on breast and thighs in meat type chickens, reared on three different types of litter materials, including wood shavings, shredded paper and chopped wheat straw. The experiment lasted for 72 days. A total of 447 one-day-old meat type chickens were randomly allotted to the three litter materials, giving 149 birds per litter. On days 24, 47 and 72 of the experimental period, feathering on the breast and thighs was scored according to a 1–4 scale. In addition, the severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) and hock burn (HB) was evaluated at the same days by attributing scores from 1−3. Litter characteristics (moisture content, water absorbing capacity, bulk density, pH) were determined at the end of the experiment. Severity of FPD varied significantly (P < 0.016) among the litter materials with chopped straw showing the highest severity scores and wood shavings showing the lowest. Litter material had no effect (P > 0.016) on the severity of HB and on thigh feathering. Birds reared on chopped wheat straw presented the lowest breast feather coverage. Straw litter had the highest moisture content and pH value. In conclusion, wood shavings proved to be best litter material for meat type chickens rearing among the three tested litter materials.

Effects of a silica-based feed supplement on performance, health, and litter quality of growing turkeys

Poor litter quality is a potential challenge to footpad health as well as the primary cause of ammonia volatilization. High ambient ammonia concentration is one of the most significant factors negatively affecting poultry production today. Some minerals have been reported to reduce ammonia release from poultry litter. Silicon dioxide, a highly pure and natural mineral, shows promise in decreasing ammonia volatilization and improving litter quality. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of feed-borne silicon dioxide on litter quality and how this impacts bird performance, general health and footpad health throughout a 12-wk posthatching turkey study. Supplementing the diet with silicon dioxide was found to significantly improve turkey BW gain and the efficiency of feed conversion. The severity of footpad dermatitis was monitored throughout the experimental period but no significant effect of diet was seen. The feeding of silicon dioxide reduced litter pH which decreased the conversion of NH4+ to NH3 thereby reducing nitrogen losses from litter. It was concluded that, under our study conditions, the feeding of 0.02% silicon dioxide offers potential economic benefits to turkey producers.

Effect of hatch location and diet density on footpad dermatitis and growth performance in broiler chickens

The effect of hatch location and diet density on the prevalence of footpad dermatitis and growth performance in broiler chickens was studied. Broilers (Ross 308), incubated at 2 different hatch locations but originating from the same parent stock, were subjected to 2 feeding programs differing in energy content (2,750 vs. 2,950, 2,850 vs. 3,050, 2,900 vs. 3,100, and 2,900 vs. 3,100 kcal/kg for starter, grower I, grower II, and finisher diets, respectively) in a 2 × 2 factorial design (6 replicates per treatment combination). Broilers were housed under conditions and managed according to Dutch practice. Hatch location did not affect hatching results nor the prevalence and severity of footpad dermatitis, but did affect BW gain, feed, and water intake. A significant interaction was found between hatch location and feeding program; broilers fed the low-energy (LE) program had a better performance when hatched at Location 2 than at Location 1, whereas performance was similar for the high-energy (HE) broilers hatched at both locations. Broilers fed the LE program had similar BW gain but a higher feed conversion due to a higher feed intake as compared to broilers fed the HE program. In addition, moisture content of the litter in the pens with LE birds was higher than in pens with HE birds. As a result, broilers fed the LE program had more footpad dermatitis and hock burns at d 36 as compared to broilers fed the HE program. It is concluded that the HE feeding program is preferred to prevent footpad dermatitis and hock burn, and with respect to growth performance. The differences in growth performance between the 2 hatch locations merit further study but indicate the importance of the incubation and hatching environment and posthatch handling in relation to the growth performance of broilers on-farm.

Incidence of Footpad Dermatitis and Hock Burns in Broilers as Affected by Genotype, Lighting Program and Litter Type

Abstract The aim of this study was to define the conditions for improving broiler leg health, thus ultimately promoting broiler welfare and greater economic efficiency of production, by investigating the effects of litter type, lighting program, or genetic predisposition on the incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis and hock burns. The study was conducted on broiler genotypes (G) Hubbard Classic and Ross 308. Litter (L) was either chopped straw or wood shavings. Lighting programs (LP) were applied when broilers were eight days old. One lighting program (LP1) was designed so that chicks between 8 to 39 days of age were exposed to 16L:4D:2L:2D, and received 23L:1D between 40 to 42 days of age. The other lighting program (LP2) was a gradual extension of photoperiod after restrictions in the second week: 16L:8D (8-14 days), 16L:3D:2L:3D (15-21 days), 16L:2D:4L:2D (22-28 days), 16L:1D:6L:1D (29-35 days) and 23L:1D (36-42 days). Evaluations of footpad lesions and hock burn, according to the method described by Thomas et al. (2004), were carried out individually for each bird, on days 21 and 42. Based on the average score and the frequency of the worst forms of footpad dermatitis, better growing conditions for broilers were found when wood shavings were used as litter material rather than the chopped straw (P<0.01), and when a lighting program with gradual lengthening of photoperiod and with intermittent light/ dark periods (LP2) was applied, compared to a moderate-constant photoperiod lighting program (LP1) (P<0.01). The Ross 308 broiler genotype, despite its lower body weight, showed a greater tendency to develop footpad dermatitis and hock burns. Hock burns developed more slowly than footpad dermatitis, and thereby, would be likely to exhibit a smaller adverse effect on broiler welfare and quality of chicken feet.

Footpad dermatitis severity on turkey flocks and correlations with locomotion, litter conditions, and body weight at market age

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) and walking ability are both parameters used on poultry welfare audits. One survey was conducted to determine the correlation between FPD severity, gait score (GS), BW, and litter condition on turkeys at market age. A total of 41 commercial tom flocks of 16 to 19 wk of age were evaluated. On each visit, 50 toms were selected, weighed, and evaluated for GS and FPD. Litter score (LS) was also recorded according to moisture content and caking. Data analyses consisted of pairwise correlations and 3 separate multiple linear regression models using FPD, GS, and BW as response variables. Fixed effects included LS, season, FPD, GS, and BW. Based on pairwise correlations, FPD was correlated with LS, BW, GS, and age. Gait score was correlated with LS, BW, and age. Body weight was correlated with LS. With multiple linear regression analysis it was observed that LS and BW were the parameters that were associated the most with FPD severity and GS. As litter condition worsened and BW increased, FPD and GS worsened. Moreover, a seasonal effect was observed on both FPD and GS. Colder seasons, winter and autumn, were associated with increased FPD severity and GS. A negative effect of FPD and GS was observed on BW. In conclusion, FPD and GS are correlated with BW at market age and litter condition is a major factor in FPD development and walking ability in turkeys.

Effects of rearing system and body weight of Redbro broilers on the frequency and severity of footpad dermatitis

High market demand for high-quality chicken paws, as well as their role in the assessment of the welfare of broiler chickens are the main reasons for the research in this area. In order to determine the effects of rearing system and the body weight of moderate growing broilers on the frequency and severity of incidence of footpad dermatitis, experimental research was conducted on a total of 300 Redbro chickens reared in free range and floor system in the production facility until the age of 84 days. Based on an individual weighing of broilers and visual evaluation of the incidence and severity of footpad lesions at the end of the experiment, the frequency of the individual scores for footpad dermatitis was determined, as well as the average score in each of the five weight groups. The effect of body weight on the incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis was not statistically confirmed, but the absence of the most difficult forms of footpad dermatitis in broiler group with the lowest body weight was recorded. Rearing broiler chickens in free range system manifested a positive effect in terms of increased frequency of broilers without lesions and less frequency of moderate and severe lesions in relation to rearing system in the production facility. Also, the effect of rearing system on the frequency of the most severe degree of dermatitis in broilers Redbro was statistically confirmed.

Influence of the dietary protein level and type of litter on the incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis in broilers

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is a condition that causes necrotic lesions on the plantar surface of the footpads in broilers, and in severe cases may cause pain. The aim of this study was to determin the influence of tree level of dietary protein and four type of litter on the incidence of the FPD. A total of 1,272 one-day-old chicks were raised on floor pens in a design involving 3 A— 4 arrangement of protein level [high (HP), medium (MP) or low (LP)], and litter materials (whole wheat straw, rice hulls, wood shavings and a mixture of the three types listed above), on a 3-stage feeding program (2 replicate pens/treatment; 50 birds/pen). The incidence and development of FPD were recorded weekly for all birds from day 8 to slaughter. The largest body weight was observed in the HP group (2441.96 g), followed by MP (2308.16 g) and LP (2215.34 g) group. FPD scores for protein level ranged from 53 (LP) to 76 (MP), and for litter type range from 7 (wood shavings) to 150 (whole wheat straw) exceeding the value of 50 points considered by the EU proposal as threshold. The incidences of FPD for protein level were 32% (LP), 48% (MP) and 43% (HP), and 8% (wood shavings), 22% (rice hulls), 52% (mixture) and 80% (whole wheat straw). The results obtained in this study lead to the conclusion that protein level and litter type influences in a great extent the body weight of broiler chickens and FPD score at slaughter .

Sensor-based monitoring of the prevalence and severity of foot pad dermatitis in broiler chickens

1. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of a dielectric measurement to evaluate the prevalence and severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens.2. The study focussed on surveying the occurrence of FPD during the growing period of one broiler chicken flock. A scoring system consisting of 5 categories was used to assess the prevalence and severity of FPD macroscopically. Additionally, the dielectric constant (DC) of both foot pads of 50 chickens was measured in a triple iteration with the MoistureMeter D (Delfin Technologies, Kuopio, Finland) on three different dates.3. On all measurement days, DC and FPD score were negatively correlated. The severity of FPD increased during the growing period, and severe lesions occurred at an early stage.4. Further research is necessary to develop an effective early warning system for FPD in poultry houses. However, the non-invasive measurement of DC provides a reliable method for the objective assessment of occurrence and severity of FPD.

High dietary levels of biotin and zinc to improve health of foot pads in broilers exposed experimentally to litter with critical moisture content

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread problem in poultry production and constitutes a welfare issue. The objective of this study was to test potentially prophylactic effects of higher biotin and Zn levels in the diet of broilers exposed to critical litter moisture content (35% water) on the development of FPD. Two trials were performed in each 4 groups of 1-wk-old male broilers (Ross 708) during 33 d. The pens of all groups (25 birds in each) were littered with wood shavings of critical moisture content. Two groups were fed high levels of Zn as zinc-oxide (150 mg/kg of diet), with normal levels of biotin (300 µg/kg of diet) or high biotin (2,000 µg/kg of diet). The other 2 groups were fed Zn as zinc-methionine (150 mg/kg of diet), with normal levels of biotin (300 µg/kg of diet) or high biotin (2,000 µg/kg of diet). External assessment of foot pads and measurements the moisture contents of excreta and litter were performed weekly. The signs of foot pad lesions were recorded on a 7-point scale (0 = normal skin; 7 = more than half of the foot pad is necrotic). High biotin supplementation resulted in a reduction of 30 and 18% of cases of foot pad lesions in trials 1 and 2, respectively. The combination of Zn-methionine and high biotin supplementation led to a decreased severity of FPD in a range of about 50 and 30% in trials 1 and 2, respectively. In broilers fed the diet containing zinc-oxide and normal biotin levels about 28 and 24% of the birds had the scores of 6 and 7 (= high foot pad alterations), whereas in birds fed Zn-methionine and high biotin no high alterations (score = 7) in the foot pad (0%) occurred in either trial. The presented results suggest that it is advisable to combine the maximum levels of Zn (especially of Zn-methionine) and high levels of biotin when clinically relevant alterations in the foot pad occur.

Relationship between Severity of Footpad Dermatitis and Carcass Performance in Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACTThe relationship between the severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) and growth performance parameters (live weight, condemnation rate, leg meat yield and breast meat yield) was investigated in a total of 63 million broiler chickens that were processed over a period of 1,053 days between 2008 and 2012 at a full-scale processing plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. FPD scores and carcass data were summarized daily and analyzed to determine their correlations. It was found that FPD severity was positively correlated with the condemnation rate and negatively correlated with the live weight and leg meat yield. These results indicate that controlling FPD may play an important role in reducing condemnations while improving live weight and leg meat yields.

Influence of graded levels of dietary sodium on the development of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of graded levels of dietary Na (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30% Na) on the live performance and development of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens reared to 49 d of age. On the day of hatch, 1,280 mixed-sex chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatments, with 8 replicate pens of 40 broilers per pen. Feed and water consumption were monitored and litter samples were analyzed for moisture. The incidence and severity of FPD were assessed by examining all birds on d 28 and 49. Dietary supplementation of broiler diets with graded levels of Na improved (P < 0.05) FCR on d 14 (linear and quadratic), BW on d 28 and 49 (linear), decreased mortality on d 49 (linear), and increased total water consumption (linear). Litter moisture level also increased (P < 0.001) linearly from 24% (0.15% Na) to 32% (0.30% Na) on d 49. Moreover, the incidence and severity of FPD on d 28 and 49 were increased linearly with Na levels in the diet. On d 49, FPD severity was the most severe for broilers receiving the highest dietary levels of Na. With these results, we confirm earlier reports that high dietary Na can increase litter moisture and can therefore be a direct trigger of FPD development in broiler chickens.

Dietary biotin supplementation does not alleviate the development of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens

SUMMARY The effects of 4 levels of supplemental dietary biotin (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg) on live performance, and the incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) were investigated in 2 experiments. In experiment 1, 600 one-day-old female broiler chicks were randomly distributed among 40 pens. Ten replicate pens were allotted to each of the 4 treatments, with 15 broilers per pen. In experiment 2, 1,440 one-day-old mixed-sex chicks were placed in 32 pens (45 chicks per pen), with 8 replications per treatment. Pen BW and feed consumption were measured at 21, 42, and 56 d of age in experiment 1 and at 15, 29, 43, and 57 d of age in experiment 2. Mortality was recorded twice daily and weighed to calculate the adjusted FCR in both experiments. In addition to live performance, FPD incidence and severity were evaluated at each of these time periods using a 3-point scale to document the progression of severity of lesions over time. Litter samples were also collected, pooled, and analyzed for moisture on d 1 and 57 in experiment 2. The live performance of broilers did not vary in experiment 2. Moreover, neither incidence nor severity of FPD was affected by dietary biotin supplementation. Litter moisture did not vary in experiment 2, but equaled or exceeded 35% in all treatments by d 57. No dietary biotin supplementation level resulted in the alleviation of FPD. It was concluded, based on these results, that dietary biotin supplementation is not an effective tool in preventing the development of FPD in broiler chickens.

Feed enzyme supplementation does not ameliorate foot pad dermatitis in broiler chickens fed on a corn-soyabean diet

1. Foot Pad Dermatitis (FPD) can be a serious health, quality and welfare problem in poultry production, with a significant affect on the economics of production. The physico-chemical properties of (NSP) have been correlated with increases in excreta viscosity and adherence, and hence FPD in broiler chickens. 2. Two broiler experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary non-starch polisaccharide (NSP) applications to corn-soyabean based diets in replicated floor pens. In addition to live performance, the incidence and severity of FPD was scored and, in experiment 2, intestinal viscosity and ammonia volatilization were measured. 3. Live performance did not vary with the different treatments in either experiment and the incidence and severity of FPD, and ammionia volatisation in experiment 2, were unaffected. However, birds reared on enzyme supplemented diets had lower (P < 0·001) intestinal viscosity levels in experiment 1. 4. In this study with corn-soyabean meal based diets, dietary enzyme supplementation had no affect on the incidence and severity of FPD. The lack of an association between the excreta viscosity and FPD is attributed to the multifactorial etiology of this condition.

Footpad dermatitis in Dutch broiler flocks: Prevalence and factors of influence

In some European countries, footpad dermatitis (FPD) is measured as an indicator of broiler welfare. Prevalence and seasonal variation of FPD was determined within broiler flocks (fast-growing breeds) in the Netherlands. Samples were taken from 386 Dutch flocks at 8 slaughterhouses during a period of one year. Prevalence of footpad dermatitis was related to background information gathered using a food chain certification scheme to identify possible factors of influence. On average, 35.5% of the broilers had no lesions, whereas 26.1% and 38.4% had mild or severe lesions, respectively. Season, age, thinning of flocks, slaughter age, breed, slaughterhouse, and the interaction between thinning and slaughter age significantly affected severity of FPD. Peak flock FPD scores occurred in flocks where 1-d-old chicks were placed in March and December, whereas flocks placed in warm months, between June and August, displayed lower flock FPD scores. Generally, birds sent to slaughter when thinning a flock displayed less severe FPD than birds from completely depopulated flocks. Severity of FPD decreased with age. Because poultry farmer, hatchery, veterinary practice, and feed manufacturer were included in the model as random factors, it was only possible to assess their contribution relative to each other. The broiler farmer had the largest contribution. Also, a large contribution was found for hatchery, perhaps indicating that broiler quality is important. No relationship was observed between FPD and mortality. Across farms, less severe FPD was observed on farms using antibiotics. However, within farms, FPD was more common in flocks where antibiotics had been used compared with flocks that did not require antibiotic treatment. In conclusion, footpad dermatitis was frequently observed in Dutch fast-growing broiler flocks, and many factors had significant effects on severity of FPD, such as breed, thinning of flocks, age at slaughter, slaughter plant, and hatchery.

Foot-pad dermatitis and experimentally induced coccidiosis in young turkeys fed a diet without anticoccidia

Foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread challenge to turkey production. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating and exposure to litter with critical moisture content (35%) under experimental infection with Eimeria. adenoeides on the severity of FPD in turkeys. Two trials were done; in each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys were reared over 4 wk. At the start of the experiment (d 14), each bird had normal foot pads. All birds were fed ad libitum on identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were kept on dry wood shavings with or without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings of 35% moisture with or without floor heating. Two birds in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected with E. adenoeides via crop intubation (˜50,000 oocysts/bird). Foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and at d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased FPD scores (2.06 ± 0.735; 1.47 ± 0.734, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with groups housed without floor heating (3.88 ± 0.812; 2.73 ± 1.25, trials 1 and 2, respectively). Birds continuously exposed to wet litter (35% moisture) showed significantly increased FPD scores (3.41 ± 1.23; 2.69 ± 1.34, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with the group not exposed to wet litter (2.53 ± 1.00; 1.53 ± 0.683, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The coccidial infection in both trials resulted in markedly lowered DM contents of excreta (14.8 and 15.1%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and litter (58.0 and 57.6%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) in the groups exposed to wet litter without using floor heating. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in the highest mean DM content of litter (85.1 and 85.0%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and the highest BW (2,693 and 2,559 g, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The results suggest that induced diarrhea caused by coccidial infection led to poor litter quality, and hence, increased the severity of FPD, which can be overcome by using floor heating.

Influence of dietary enzyme supplementation of barley-based diets on growth performance and footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens exposed to early high-moisture litter

SUMMARY The physicochemical properties of dietary nonstarch polysaccharides in barley and soybean meals have been correlated with increases in excreta viscosity and adherence, and hence footpad dermatitis (FPD), in broiler chickens. Moreover, high litter moisture has been identified as a possible causative agent of FPD. A total of 448 birds were raised in floor pens in a design involving a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of barley (0 or 25% of diet), feed enzyme mixture (supplementation with 0 or 0.1% of Farmazyme BR-M), and litter moisture (with or without added water) and a 3-stage feeding program (8 treatments; 32 replicates; 4 replicate pens per treatment combination, with 14 birds per pen). In addition to measuring live performance, the feet were scored on all birds at 14, 28, and 42 d of age, and the severity of FPD lesions was recorded as none, mild, or severe. A subsample of birds was processed at the end of the experiment to evaluate carcass yields. Pooled litter samples were collected for moisture determination (d 5 and 42) and pH (d 42). The incidence and severity of FPD on d 14 and 28 were due only to litter moisture. No effects on litter moisture or pH were due to barley, although growth performance was adversely affected at 25% dietary inclusion. Carcass yields did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Performance of birds was significantly improved by supplementing the feed enzyme mixture, irrespective of the addition of barley or the wetting treatment. Hence, management factors play a significant role in the etiology of FPD in broilers.

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

SUMMARY 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.

Effects of high electrolyte contents in the diet and using floor heating on development and severity of foot pad dermatitis in young turkeys

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a very common disease affecting poultry and is mostly caused by bad litter condition. This study aimed to test the effects of poultry diets with normal levels of electrolytes compared with a surplus level of electrolytes with and without using floor heating. Eighty two-week-old ♀ turkey poults were reared over 3 weeks on wood shavings, divided randomly into four groups. Two groups were fed normal levels of electrolytes (1.60 g Na; 7.80 g K/kg diet), and the other two groups were fed surplus levels of electrolytes (3.10; 15.3 g/kg diet). In each dietary treatment, half of the birds were exposed to floor heating. Half of the birds in each group were exposed for 4 h/day to wet litter (35% water) in adjacent separate boxes. External assessment of foot pads was performed weekly. High dietary electrolytes increased the severity of FPD significantly (3.65 ± 1.03). Floor heating is likely to be highly effective in significantly reducing the severity of FPD (2.36 ± 0.588). Despite forced water intake, the litter became drier when floor heating was in use. Combining low Na and K levels with a floor heating system reduced the scores of FPD by approximately 60%, compared with high electrolyte levels without floor heating. Therefore, both dietary electrolyte levels and floor heating markedly affected FPD via litter moisture.

Effects of Floor Heating and Litter Quality on the Development and Severity of Foot Pad Dermatitis in Young Turkeys

Actions concerning animal health in turkey production are coming more and more to the fore. Litter quality has a great impact on the bird's health and welfare. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating, different litter materials, and exposure to litter with a "critical moisture content" of 35% for 16 or 24 hr/day on the severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD), a widespread disease in fattening turkeys. Four groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys, with 20 birds in each, were reared during 3 wk. All turkeys were fed a commercial pellet diet ad libitum. The first two groups were kept on wood shavings (35% moisture) without and with floor heating. The other two groups were housed on lignocellulose (Soft Cell) of 35% moisture without and with floor heating. In each group, half of the birds were housed for 8 hr/day in adjacent separate boxes where the litter was kept clean and dry throughout the experimental period. Foot pads were assessed weekly for external and at day 35 for histopathologic scoring (scores: 0 = healthy; 7 = ulcer). At day 14 each bird had normal and healthy foot pads. The results indicate that using floor heating resulted in significantly lower FPD scores (0.8 +/- 0.2) compared to groups without floor heating (2.0 +/- 0.8). Using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in significantly lower histopathologic FPD scores (1.4 +/- 0.7) compared with wood shavings (1.7 +/- 0.8). In all birds housed on dry litter for 8 hr/day, significantly lower FPD scores were found compared to birds housed on wet litter for 24 hr. In conclusion, using floor heating, even with wet litter (35% moisture), independent of the litter type, resulted in reduced severity of FPD compared to those birds housed in pens without using floor heating. Additionally, using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in lower FPD compared with wood shavings. Keeping litter dry and "warm" could be achieved by using floor heating, which is considered a practical step to enhance animal health and welfare.