Early warning indicators for hock burn in broiler flocks.

Hock burn is a common disease of broiler chickens affecting flock welfare and farmer income. Here we use hierarchical logistic regression (HLR) models to identify risk factors for hock burn using data from 5895 flocks, collected over 3.5 years by a large UK broiler company. The results suggest that at 2 weeks of age, weight and weight density may be useful predictors of flocks at risk of a high incidence of hock burn. In contrast, stocking density at placement is not. The use of these and other variables in disease prevention add value to routinely collected management data and can assist in improving broiler welfare and farm income.