Impact of Selected Factors on the Occurrence of Contact Dermatitis in Turkeys on Commercial Farms in Germany

Abstract

Simple SummaryIn two extensive field studies in Germany, the influence of husbandry on health and fitness of fattening turkeys was investigated in living animals of various ages as well as carcasses shortly after slaughter. Already in the early rearing phase, contact dermatitis of foot pads was observed as a relevant problem in turkey farming. Litter quality and condition as well as management must be coordinated at all rearing stages of turkeys to prevent the appearance of high litter moisture values in order to minimize the prevalence of foot pad dermatitis.AbstractIn a long term research project in Germany the influence of husbandry on the health of fattening turkeys (Study 1) as well as the influence of practiced rearing conditions on the health of turkey poults (Study 2) was examined in 24 farms and at the meat processing plant. In all examined rearing farms, litter samples for the determination of litter moisture were taken. This paper summarizes the results obtained by our working group from 2007 until 2012. The results elucidate the universal problem of foot pad dermatitis (FPD). Nearly 100% of the observed turkeys showed a clinically apparent FPD at the meat processing plant. Furthermore, skin lesions of the breast, especially breast buttons were diagnosed, particularly at the slaughterhouse. FPD was detected in the first week of the rearing phase. Prevalence and degree showed a progressive development up to the age of 22–35 days, whereas 63.3% of the poults had foot pad alterations. As even mild alterations in the foot pad condition can be indicators for suboptimal design of the rearing environment, especially high litter moisture, it is important to focus on the early rearing phase.

Effect of Different Flooring Designs on the Performance and Foot Pad Health in Broilers and Turkeys

“…For more than 30 years, researchers have been investigating the impact of litter quality on the foot pad health and performance of different poultry species, including broilers [ 9 , 10 , 11 ] and turkeys [ 3 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Several studies suggested that there is a strong association between poor litter conditions and foot pad dermatitis [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

Farmers' Perceptions About Health and Welfare Issues in Turkey Production

“…In terms of breast injuries, it is likely that this is less visible on-farm, but later noticed at processing after defeathering (56), and is likely only of importance once carcasses are condemned for this reason (45). However, despite not being considered an issue on-farm, management practices such as, e.g., litter and floor management can contribute the occurrence of breast injuries which can cause pain and discomfort for birds (18,56). Furthermore, skin conditions including breast buttons/blisters (inflamed bursa) were actually one of the more commonly mentioned reasons for condemnation or downgrading at slaughter in the current study.…”

“…Previous work has mainly focused on identifying risk factors in the social and physical environment of the birds in efforts to improve turkey health and welfare (12,(16)(17)(18)(19). However, there is limited information available on what turkey farmers themselves consider important for turkey health and welfare (20).…”

The genetic basis of novel water utilisation and drinking behaviour traits and their relationship with biological performance in turkeys

“…In this study, we were not able to investigate the relationship of the estimated drinking behaviour traits with functional traits, such as the incidence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD). Recent studies showed that elevated litter moisture around drinkers and feeders is sufficient to increase the incidence and the severity of FPD; an increase in wet litter from 10 to 30% increased incidence of FPD [ 18 , 19 ]. If different drinking behaviour traits lead to differences in litter wetness, through for example water spillage, then one can hypothesise the existence of a correlation with the severity or incidence of FPD.…”