Effects of common litter types and their physicochemical properties on the welfare of broilers

Abstract

Background and Aim: In broiler production, the poor quality litter not only may lead to a deterioration of the welfare status but also negatively affect carcass quality, overall health and growth performance, which may result in economic losses. The effects of litter types on the welfare of broilers are known but the effects of their characteristics have been little studied. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between welfare parameters of broilers and physicochemical characteristics of five common litter types. Materials and Methods: Over 42 days, 600 (Cobb 700) male broiler chicks were placed within 30 pens (each 2 m2) at a density of 10 birds/m2. The experiment included five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The following litter (or bedding) materials were examined: Standard quality straw, low-quality straw, wood shavings (WS), sawdust, and crop residues. Footpad condition, hock burns, and plumage cleanliness, as well as litter condition, were scored according to previously developed point scale systems. Litter quality was evaluated according to pH level, moisture, water-holding capacity, and ammonia content. Results: No significant differences were found among litter types in terms of pH, moisture content, or ammonia levels. WS had a significant positive effect on footpad health and plumage cleanliness. However, hock burn was not affected by different bedding types. The severity of pododermatitis was negatively correlated with litter type (r = –0.78; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the litter scores (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). However, contact dermatitis observed (pododermatitis and hock burn) was not correlated with any of the physicochemical parameters we studied. Meanwhile, we observed a correlation between footpad lesions and hock burn (r = 0.45; p < 0.05), and between footpad lesions and plumage cleanliness (r = 0.59; p < 0.01). Conclusion: For all litter types examined, contact dermatitis was not correlated with any of the physicochemical components we studied. There were, however, significant correlations between litter type and footpad lesions, as well as between footpad dermatitis and hock burns.

Chopped straw and coffee husks affect bedding chemical composition and the performance and foot pad condition of broiler chickens

“…Lower FPD incidence in broilers kept on pellets was also reported by Kheravii et al 16 . The other research examined standard-quality straw, low-quality straw, wood shavings, sawdust, and crop residues 44 . It was found that the bedding material significantly affected the footpad condition in broiler chickens.…”

Prevalence and factors affecting foot–pad dermatitis in broilers in Eastern Algeria

“…In the present study, broilers raised on straw had a 20% higher prevalence of FPD than those raised on wood shavings, which is consistent with the findings of Skrbic et al [23] who reported a higher incidence of FPD in broilers raised on straw. Boussaada et al [22] and Sirri et al [24] also found that litter type significantly affected contact dermatitis development, with broiler flocks raised on wood shavings showing less dermatitis than those raised on straw.…”

“…Litter types is one of the most important factors affecting incidence and prevalence of FPD in broiler chickens. However, the development of FPD could be due to a prolonged contact with poor bedding materials [21,22].…”

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth

“…As with contact dermatitis of the pads and hocks reviewed earlier, factors such as the quality of the litter or bedding material, the amount of moisture and humidity in the environment, and the presence of feces or urine can all contribute to soiling or contamination of feathers [27,29]. Boussaada et al [71] revealed that the use of sawdust or wood shavings as bedding materials resulted in improved feather cleanliness compared with straw or crop residues, and there was a positive correlation between the feather cleanliness and the litter score integrated with moisture, water holding capacity, pH, and ammonia of the bedding (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). To maintain good feather cleanliness, it is important to ensure that the litter or bedding is clean, dry, and changed regularly, and that the environment is well-ventilated and free from excess moisture [50].…”