55. Broiler breeders spend their lives in contact with litter and their welfare, especially their health, is linked to its quality. Litter quality results from a complex interaction of factors such as ventilation, temperature, humidity, diet, stocking density and management. Good management of litter is crucial and all the farms we visited during the study had well kept litter. The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 require housed poultry to be kept on, or have access to, well maintained litter.
Recommendation
56. Those keeping broiler breeders must ensure the birds have access to litter that is in good, friable condition and apply the advice given in the MAFF publication Poultry Litter Management (PB 1739).