Foot pad problems a winter worry

Broiler producers have been told to pay attention to every aspect of flock management this winter to keep on top of foot pad pododermatitis.

Pododermatitis is becoming a significant issue in the broiler industry, technical service manager Dave Watts told the recent Aviagen broiler roadshow in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. Virtually every factor of management is involved in controlling it, including litter quality and depth, heating and ventilation, drinker management, lighting and house construction.

“Economics dictate that litter depth is around 2-3cm, assuming your concrete is up to a temperature of 30C, which avoids condensation on the floor,” he said.

The meeting was told good quality wood shavings were more expensive, but paid dividends. Avoiding stress from the moment the birds arrived was also crucial.

“Don’t leave chicks exposed to the elements when they come off the truck, and keep the truck doors closed. In the house, use cardboard to block off draughts,” Mr Watts advised.

Drinker management was also critical, with producers advised to monitor consumption, manage ventilation to assist in drying litter and replace drinkers every 5-7 years.

“Ventilation is the only means of removing excess water from the house,” Mr Watts said. “Consumption should be monitored and if it increases, ventilation should be increased right away – not three days later. The damage is done by then.”

Trying to cut back on energy costs by adjusting ventilation could be counterproductive as it was important to establish a successful ventilation regime from day one.

A hand-held anemometer was useful to check air movement at bird height, and members of the Aviagen team were happy to come on to units with their £4500 thermal imaging cameras, which vividly showed up cold and hot spots in the house.

UK breeding programme director Jim McAdam said resistance to pododermatitis was now being actively selected for, since it became noticeable in 2008. But it would take several more years for the benefits to be felt.

Across the breeding programme, some emphasis had shifted away from growth rate to a wider spectrum of characteristics, including FCR, breast yield and welfare factors, but weight gain still remained part of the selection mix.