Effect of production system on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) and plumage quality of geese

BOZ M. A., Sarica M., Yamak U. S.

EUROPEAN POULTRY SCIENCE, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1399/eps.2017.216
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN POULTRY SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Goose, feather score, foot pad dermatitis, production system, BROILER-CHICKENS, LAYING HENS, FEATHER PECKING, LITTER MOISTURE, FREE-RANGE, DIETS, PODODERMATITIS, CANNIBALISM, INTEGUMENT, BEHAVIOR
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the feather and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) quality of geese reared under barn and free-range production systems. A total of 216 geese were reared for 18 weeks. Feathers were assessed on different body parts using a 4-point scoring system. FPD was assessed on foot pads and webs. Wing and tail plumage condition were significantly better in the free-range system (P<0.01), whereas FPD quality were significantly better under barn conditions (P<0.01). The better plumage conditions found in the free-range system could be a sign of better animal welfare conditions in this system, which needs to be improved to reduce the associated levels of FPD.