Footpad health in turkeys is of great importance, particularly from an animal welfare perspective. Bedding management has a significant influence on the occurrence of footpad lesions. How can footpad health in turkey flocks be monitored regularly, and what options are available for optimising bedding management? Experts Dr Daniel Gieseke (University of Kassel) and Dr Kathrin Toppel (Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences) provided information on this topic during an online event organised by the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture as part of the Focus Animal Welfare network.

Pad lesions occur on the sole pads as well as on the toe pads. Farmers can identify abnormalities in pad health by looking for signs such as protruding skin flakes, rough surfaces, cracks, necrosis, calluses, swelling and ulcers. Even healed lesions can be detected, as the scar tissue forms a smooth white patch on the pad. During assessment in the barn, the depth of the pad lesions cannot be determined. However, it can be assumed that the larger the lesion on the sole pad, the greater the risk of deep skin injuries, inflammation and consequently pain in the turkey.

Systematically assessing footpad health through assessment

Dr Gieseke first explained how turkey farmers can detect footpad health in their flock at an early stage using a scoring system as part of their on-farm self-monitoring. During the assessment, the condition of the footpads is classified into one of three grades (0, 1 or 2) depending on the severity of the changes (see Table 1). Dr Gieseke noted that the farmer must always examine both feet. The assessment is then always based on the footpad in the poorer condition.  A good sample can be taken from 50 animals per flock across all areas of the rearing unit. This assessment should be carried out once during the rearing phase (4th/5th week of life) and twice during the fattening phase (12th and 16th weeks of life). If the animals are not reared on the farm itself, an assessment should be carried out immediately upon arrival.

Bedding management has a major influence on footpad health

After the participants had carried out their own assessment using several example images, Dr Toppel discussed litter quality as the main factor influencing footpad health. Initial cracks in the footpads can develop as soon as the turkeys have been standing on wet and damp litter for 48 hours. Litter management therefore plays a crucial role here, particularly as studies have shown that injuries can heal within a 14-day window, even if scarring occurs, provided the litter is kept dry. In good litter, a dry matter content of 80% should be the target. If the dry matter content in the litter falls below 65%, the risk of pad lesions increases significantly, as microbial activity in the litter and ammonia concentrations in the house rise. Microorganisms break down the uric acid in the droppings, releasing ammonia, which in turn attacks the skin of the footpad. The pH value in the litter should be < 5. The higher the pH value, the greater the risk of microbial proliferation and activity, which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the sole skin. Another factor for good bedding quality is the a_w value, which describes water activity. The target value here is < 0.8. This value cannot yet be routinely measured, but visual checks already provide a good indication of bedding moisture.

Litter moisture is influenced by urine, faeces, supply air, temperature and relative humidity. The choice of litter material is a key factor in maintaining the health of the pasterns. Pelleted/granulated material has improved water absorption and release properties compared to (chopped) straw. Furthermore, the material can be worked through. Working the material through allows the bedding to dry out more effectively and helps prevent a rise in temperature within the bedding. Another way to influence footpad health via the bedding is the use of bedding additives. The pH value is actively reduced to 2, in contrast to standard litter without additives (pH 6–7), so that the foot remains drier and there is less footpad inflammation due to inhibited microbial activity, according to Dr Toppel. Further measures for healthy footpads include topping up the litter, which should be carried out as and when required. An increased need may arise, for example, when switching feed from feeding phase P3 to P4, after salt administration if there is increased pecking, and during vaccination. Dr Toppel also recommends topping up the litter in specific areas and keeping a close eye on the litter, particularly under the drinking troughs, the activity area and the feed bowls.

Author: Viola Erfkämper, North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture