Wet litter problems relate to host-microbiota interactions

Wet litter is of major concern in broiler production because of its negative impact on animal health, welfare and production performance. Poor litter quality stimulates the incidence and severity of foot pad lesions which, in turn, induce pain and discomfort to the animal. As foot pad lesions are proposed as one of the main welfare indicators in the EU Broiler Directive, the severity of foot pad dermatitis in broilers will limit stocking density in the future. Jan Dirk van der Klis and Masja Len