Relationship between nutrition factors and development of food pad dermatitis (FPD)

Abstract

Nowadays, foot pad dermatitis and the associated loss of production and income is one of the major problems in intensive broiler chicken production. The third most valuable part of a broiler chicken is the legs. In the case of FPD, losses are realised as animals with foot pad dermatitis (FDP) eat, drink, and move less, and their performance is reduced, which causes serious loss of income. It also raises animal welfare concerns and can cause food safety problems. Development of the FPD and its frequency is influenced by several factors, individually or in combination: genetics, management, and feeding. In this article, we review the feeding causes of the development of FDP. Feedstuffs, rich in soluble NSP substances, low energy concentration in the diet, or luxury protein supply lead to low quality of the litter, predisposing birds to FPD. In addition, some minerals (Na, K, Cl) stimulate water consumption, while deficiency of others (Zn, Cu, Mn) affects epithelial tissue development and thus might provoke FPD.