hrvatski

Effect of stocking density on the occurrence of contact dermatitis on broiler legs

The aim of the study was to assess the possible effect of stocking density on the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers. The study was conducted in the conditions of commercial production in broiler housing at a family farm during 6-week fattening period. Broilers were divided into three groups of 50 animals each, all three groups raised on chopped straw but with different stocking density (12, 16 and 20 animals/m2). Litter moisture was measured and the occurrence of contact dermatitis on broiler legs assessed weekly, starting from week 2, in 10 broilers randomly selected from each group, according to the Croatian Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate instructions on post mortem inspection and result evaluation to identify the possible signs of poor housing conditions at a farm considering welfare of broilers raised for meat production. Study results showed that there was no significant difference among the three groups of animals according to the mean rate of leg lesions. Litter moisture during fattening period was higher with greater stocking density but there was no significant correlation between litter moisture and contact dermatitis occurrence. In conclusion, stocking density and litter moisture had no effect on the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers ; accordingly, the occurrence of these lesions could be controlled by appropriate production technology irrespective of stocking density.

broilers, contact dermatitis, litter, stocking density

nije evidentirano

engleski

Effect of stocking density on the occurrence of contact dermatitis on broiler legs

The aim of the study was to assess the possible effect of stocking density on the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers. The study was conducted in the conditions of commercial production in broiler housing at a family farm during 6-week fattening period. Broilers were divided into three groups of 50 animals each, all three groups raised on chopped straw but with different stocking density (12, 16 and 20 animals/m2). Litter moisture was measured and the occurrence of contact dermatitis on broiler legs assessed weekly, starting from week 2, in 10 broilers randomly selected from each group, according to the Croatian Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate instructions on post mortem inspection and result evaluation to identify the possible signs of poor housing conditions at a farm considering welfare of broilers raised for meat production. Study results showed that there was no significant difference among the three groups of animals according to the mean rate of leg lesions. Litter moisture during fattening period was higher with greater stocking density but there was no significant correlation between litter moisture and contact dermatitis occurrence. In conclusion, stocking density and litter moisture had no effect on the occurrence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns in broilers ; accordingly, the occurrence of these lesions could be controlled by appropriate production technology irrespective of stocking density.

broilers, contact dermatitis, litter, stocking density

nije evidentirano