47. Turkeys spend their lives in contact with litter and their health and welfare are closely linked to its quality. Poor management can result in wet or capped litter and contact with this may predispose to conditions such as pododermatitis (which is a painful foot condition), breast blisters and "shaky leg syndrome". High ammonia concentrations at bird level can predispose to respiratory and ocular diseases. The management of the litter in a turkey shed is therefore of the utmost importance. A MAFF publication entitled "Poultry Litter Management" is available free from MAFF Publications, London SE99 7TP (tel: 0645 556000) - quote reference PB 1739. Turkey producers should follow the advice contained in this booklet.
48. Buildings should be constructed in such a way as to minimise condensation and ventilation levels should be maintained, with the addition of supplementary heating in winter if required, to ensure that the atmosphere in the shed does not become excessively humid. Wet litter is particularly common around badly designed or maintained drinkers and stockmen must take measures to rectify such problems before birds suffer. The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 require the litter to be well-maintained.
49. It is recognised that enteric disorders which result in diarrhoea can quickly result in a deterioration in litter quality. The aetiology of diarrhoea is not clearly understood and it is possible that the disorder is caused by infectious or nutritional factors or a combination of these or other unknown factors. It is known that feed of inappropriate composition can lead to poor digestion, diarrhoea and excessive nitrogen excretion with adverse effects on the litter and stockmen should ensure that the diet is properly balanced.
50. Enteric disorders and diet-associated problems require further study and we recommend that the Government and the industry continue to sponsor research on these issues.
51. Those with responsibility for turkeys should familiarise themselves with the MAFF publication entitled "Poultry Litter Management."