Good litter management and proper ventilation are critical to preventing footpad dermatitis (FPD) and maintaining health in poultry flocks. Footpad dermatitis first became an issue for the poultry industry in the 1980s, but it surely existed long before that time. The condition is known by a variety of names, including pododermatitis and contact dermatitis. It is characterized by inflammation and...
In the field, one of the major problem in the broilers is the PODODERMATITIS or CONTACT DERMATITIS. The authors have given a very good explanation on the causes and the control of this defect. With the great demand of broiler paws in the Asian countries, farmers are trying to produce good quality paws. In breeders, the males are being affected and this affects the hatchability. The percentage of CLEARS will increase rapidly. With the pressure from welfare, farmers try to provide a better environment for the birds.
The bedding material to absorb water can be collected from Industries using Rice Husk and Bagasse as fuel in the Boilers. The Black Ash is partly nothing but Partial BIOCHAR as waste from boilers.It acts as semi Activated Carbon with absorbing properties of Ammonia ,Bad Odours and Moisture . Regarding Dermatits In Ayurveda there are Aromatic oils like Palmarosa ,Bakuchi seeds , Black cumin and Pongamia seed which are to be tried for Echofree and safe to both the Bird and end user .This is not for Commercialisation but for the safety of Universe.
Thanks a lot for such an informative article.
Really it is a great problem for maintenance of paw quality.
Another factor for podo dermattitis is Biotin deficiency in feed,either direct or due to fungus growth in the feed, as fungi use biotin for their growth.
An other factor may be the use of excessive fish meal in the feed, as fish meal is containing more salt.
I strongly associate FPD with the litter type and litter conditions. I have compared use of Coconut coir as an alternative litter type to wood shavings. It appears coconut coir releases moisture much faster an remains dry than wood shavings are results to lower score on FPD occurrence. This experiment is on-going.
