Innovative detection of foot pad changes in broiler chickens

© Fraunhofer IGD

Foot pad changes are one of the biggest problems in poultry farming, affecting both animal welfare and the profitability of broiler farms. In German poultry houses, up to 30% of broiler chickens are affected by foot pad changes. This leads to economic losses due to poorer meat quality and rising veterinary costs. Our advanced solution for detecting foot pad changes uses artificial intelligence to help poultry farmers monitor their flocks in real-time and detect signs of problems early.

With this technology, we improve herd health, reduce treatment costs, and contribute to optimizing operational efficiency.

How Foot Pad Changes Impact the Poultry Industry

  • Foot pad changes are ulcers/lesions on the foot pads, which in severe cases are accompanied by inflammation and chronic pain.
  • The condition of the foot pads is used as a reliable animal welfare indicator for broiler chickens, as it provides insights into the barn climate, bedding quality, and management.
  • Studies show that even in organic farming, up to 89% of broiler chickens suffer from foot pad ulcers.
© Fraunhofer IGD

How We Promote the Health of Broiler Chickens

  • Innovative Image Analysis: Detects subtle changes in the foot pads, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the health of broiler chickens.
  • Early Detection on a New Level: Identifies problems in the early stages of illness, enabling faster intervention.
  • Fewer Manual Interventions: Reduces reliance on subjective, manual inspections through objective, data-driven insights.
  • Integrated Data for Better Decision-Making: Information is provided through a user-friendly platform, allowing farmers to make proactive decisions about herd health.

Shape the Future of Broiler Farming with Us

Become part of our initiative to improve poultry farming through our innovative system for the early detection of foot pad changes. We are currently seeking partners for further development and implementation in pilot projects. If you are interested in actively shaping the future of poultry farming, get in touch with us. Together, we can set new standards for health and efficiency in poultry farming.