New focus on leg health improvements to boost poultry welfare and profitability

Improved management of leg health in poultry farms and processing plants is emerging as a crucial factor in enhancing animal welfare, reducing losses, and increasing efficiency, according to industry experts.

Leg health is often overlooked in poultry processing, yet it can materially affect yield, labour efficiency and welfare scores. According to Aviagen, lesions such as pododermatitis, hock marking and leg condemnations can turn into direct financial losses when paws or drumsticks are downgraded or rejected.

Most of the damage begins on farm. Teagasc says wet litter, humidity and ammonia are the main drivers of contact dermatitis, while poorer gut health can further increase moisture in droppings. The practical response is disciplined house management: pre-heat adequately, balance ventilation to remove moisture, and keep cooling systems from soaking the floor. Drinkers also need correct height and pressure to limit spillage.

Aviagen adds that flock activity matters too. Good lighting and routine walking encourage movement, which supports bone strength and reduces injury risk. At the plant, the Humane Slaughter Association says shackles must be properly maintained and matched to leg size; poorly fitted equipment can cause slips, flapping and bruising, while European rules require shackles to be wet before live birds are shackled.

Taken together, the message is simple: leg defects are not cosmetic. They signal management failures that can erode welfare, quality and margin.