The effect of the season on incidence of footpad dermatitis and its effect on broilers performance

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the season on incidence of footpad dermatitis and to determine the effect of footpad dermatitis on broilers performance expressed by EPEF (European Production Efficiency Factor). The incidence of footpad dermatitis was evaluated during the year. Daily mortality, weights and feed consumption were observed too. Scoring of the feet was done in slaughterhouse according to six-point scale (0–5) Ask (2010). There were classified between 1200 to 1500 shanks from each flock. To facilitate the evaluation of the feet damage the numbers in scoring groups were summarized as follows: negligible damage (0+1), intermediate damage (2+3) and severe damage (4+5). The highest incidence of negligible damage was found in the summer (34.0%, P < 0.05) followed by autumn (13.1%). The most severe damage of the feet was found in the spring (83.2%) followed by winter (72.4%). Only 12% of the feet were negligibly damaged. Almost 70% of the feet were severe damaged. The significant correlation between the feet damage and EPEF was not confirmed (P > 0.05). The study showed that footpad dermatitis is a severe problem. However chickens with severe feet damage were able to achieve excellent performance results.