Hock burns

Foot pad dermatitis and hock burns on a broiler chicken, 2011

Hock burns are lesions found on the hock joints of chickens and other birds raised on broiler farms. They are considered a form of contact dermatitis.[1] These marks occur when the ammonia from the waste of other birds burns through the skin of the leg, leaving a brown ulcer mark.[2] The condition has been found to be a source of pain for birds, can cause mobility issues, and may increase the risk of bacterial diseases.[3][4][5] In severe cases, hock burns can cause visible scabs to form.[6]

Higher rates of hock burns are often used by observers as an indicator of what they see as worse animal welfare conditions.[5] This is in part due to how they occur more often in overcrowded conditions and in birds genetically modified to grow fast. Although the meat is still safe to eat, many processors now remove these marks as they discourage customers.[2]

  1. ^ Haslam, S.M.; Knowles, T.G.; Brown, S.N.; Wilkins, L.J.; Kestin, S.C.; Warriss, P.D.; Nicol, C.J. (19 Jun 2007). "Factors affecting the prevalence of foot pad dermatitis, hock burn and breast burn in broiler chicken". British Poultry Science. 48 (3): 264–275. doi:10.1080/00071660701371341. ISSN 0007-1668. PMID 17578688.
  2. ^ a b "Millions of store chickens suffer burns from excrement". BBC News. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  3. ^ Kaukonen, Eija; Norring, Marianna; Valros, Anna (2016-10-08). "Effect of litter quality on foot pad dermatitis, hock burns and breast blisters in broiler breeders during the production period". Avian Pathology. 45 (6): 667–673. doi:10.1080/03079457.2016.1197377. ISSN 0307-9457. PMID 27258732.
  4. ^ Jacob, FG; Baracho, MS; Nääs, IA; Lima, NSD; Salgado, DD; Souza, R (September 2016). "Risk of Incidence of Hock Burn and Pododermatitis in Broilers Reared under Commercial Conditions". Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola. 18 (3): 357–362. doi:10.1590/1806-9061-2015-0183. hdl:20.500.12733/1267. ISSN 1516-635X.
  5. ^ a b Kwon, Byung-Yeon; Park, Jina; Kim, Da-Hye; Lee, Kyung-Woo (2024-04-05). "Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth". Animals. 14 (7): 1116. doi:10.3390/ani14071116. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC 11011155. PMID 38612355.
  6. ^ Kjaer, J.B.; Su, G.; Nielsen, B.L.; Sørensen, P. (1 August 2006). "Foot Pad Dermatitis and Hock Burn in Broiler Chickens and Degree of Inheritance". Poultry Science. 85 (8): 1342–1348. doi:10.1093/ps/85.8.1342. ISSN 0032-5791. PMID 16903463.