By Beatrice Nakibuuka
Poultry spend nearly all their time in close contact with the litter beneath them, so it is no surprise that poor litter conditions can severely impact their health and performance. Maintaining clean and dry bedding is essential for improving poultry productivity, reducing disease risks, and ensuring optimal welfare.
Importance of proper litter management
According to Dr Dickson Tayebwa, a lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University, bedding depth is as important as bedding type. Industry standards recommend a minimum depth of 5 cm, but inconsistencies across sheds are common. Litter in poultry farming is not merely bedding material; it is a crucial part of a bird’s living environment. Typically composed of wood shavings, straw, or other organic materials, litter absorbs moisture, captures faeces, and reduces odours, keeping chickens dry and comfortable. Properly maintained litter also allows birds to engage in natural behaviours such as scratching and dust-bathing, which are essential for their well-being.
However, when litter quality deteriorates, it becomes ineffective at absorbing moisture and starts to harbour bacteria, parasites, and harmful gases such as ammonia. Poor litter conditions can lead to respiratory problems, foot lesions, eye irritation, and infections that spread rapidly through flocks. These health issues directly impact growth, egg production, and feed conversion, ultimately reducing profitability.
Dr Tayebwa explains: “Ammonia buildup is one of the biggest issues in poorly managed litter. It irritates the respiratory system and weakens the immune response, making birds more susceptible to diseases. High ammonia levels often result in increased respiratory infections and reduced feed intake, which slows down growth.”
For broilers, respiratory issues can limit weight gain as birds expend energy on breathing rather than growth. In laying hens, prolonged exposure to high ammonia levels can result in lower egg production and poorer egg quality. Farmers also face increased veterinary costs and feed expenses, as sick birds do not utilise feed efficiently. Diseases linked to poor litter management, such as coccidiosis, can lead to costly outbreaks.
Signs of poor litter conditions
Michael Kigozi, a poultry farmer says recognising the signs of deteriorating litter conditions is crucial in poultry farming, If ammonia is detectable upon entering a poultry house, levels are likely high enough to irritate birds’ respiratory systems.
Litter that feels wet or has formed solid cakes is ineffective at absorbing moisture and tends to harbour bacteria.
“If birds show signs of respiratory distress, footpad dermatitis, or increased infections, it is worth examining litter conditions. Stress from poor litter can also lead to feather pecking as birds seek to relieve discomfort,” Kigozi says.
Litter-borne diseases in poultry
- Coccidiosis: Caused by Eimeria parasites thriving in warm moist litter, this disease results in diarrhoea, weight loss, reduced growth, pale combs, and lethargy. Severe cases may cause bloody droppings, stunting broilers’ growth and lowering egg production in layers.
- Aspergillosis: Caused by Aspergillus fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, which proliferates in damp litter. Symptoms include respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, gasping, weakness, and neurological signs in severe cases.
- Bacterial infections (E. coli and Salmonella): These bacteria thrive in dirty, wet litter with high faecal content. They cause diarrhoea, respiratory issues, septicemia, and poor growth.
- Footpad dermatitis: Prolonged exposure to wet, caked, or acidic litter leads to footpad inflammation and lesions. Symptoms include visible foot sores, limping, reluctance to move, and infections if wounds become contaminated. This condition reduces welfare and productivity, as affected birds struggle to move and feed efficiently.
Proactive, sustainable solutions
Improving litter quality requires consistent maintenance, proactive management, and adherence to essential practices. According to Dr Tayebwa: “Preventing litter-borne diseases starts with good litter management and biosecurity practices.”
Farmers should regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, equipment, and feeding areas to control pathogen load. Wet or caked litter should be removed and replaced to disrupt pathogen development. Proper ventilation is essential to keep ammonia levels low and moisture under control.
Monitoring for early signs of illness and removing sick birds promptly can prevent disease spread. Overcrowding should also be avoided, as it increases litter moisture, heat, and faecal load, fostering disease outbreaks.
“Effective litter management is not only crucial for maintaining healthy flocks but also for improving productivity and ensuring sustainable poultry operations. Proper hygiene, combined with environmental and biosecurity measures, significantly reduces disease risks and enhances flock performance,” Kigozi emphasises,
Other strategies for improving litter quality include: enhancing ventilation, regular litter replacing, optimising diet, Selecting the right litter material.
Maintaining a clean and biosecure environment is key to controlling pathogens. Regular disinfection, foot baths, and worker hygiene practices can prevent the spread of diseases linked to litter.
By prioritising good litter management, farmers can improve bird health, enhance productivity, and create more sustainable poultry operations.
