This study was conducted in UTFPR, Campus Dois Vizinhos-PR and divided into two experiments with 600 male broilers of the same lineage and origin. The objective of this study was to evaluate different methodologies for measurement of footpad and locomotors lesions in broilers and the effect of housing density on the incidence of these injuries. For the experiment the incidence of locomotor problems in a completely randomized design and factorial 3 x 3 x 2 (density x evaluators x methods of locomotor problems). For the experiment of footpad dermatitis, the birds were distributed in a completely randomized design and factorial 3 x 3 x 3 (density x evaluators x methods of footpad lesions), with four replicates. For the evaluation of each methodology, we used three different evaluators who were previously trained on the application of methods and without any interaction between them. The averages were compared by Tukey tests at 5% probability of error. The repeatability of the method was analyzed from scores measurements taken by evaluators. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied with a significant level of 5%. Density of housing affects the higher intensity of locomotor problems and foot pad dermatitis of the birds, increasing their development. In general, the methods were not available to be interpreted and applied.

Este estudo foi conduzido na UTFPR, Campus Dois Vizinhos-PR, dividido em dois experimentos com 600 pintainhos de corte machos, de mesma linhagem (Cobb) e origem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar distintas metodologias para mensuração de lesões no coxim plantar e lesões locomotoras em frangos de corte, bem como o efeito da densidade de alojamento na incidência de lesões. Para o experimento de incidência de problemas locomotores, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 2 (avaliadores x densidade x metodologias de problemas de locomoção). Para o experimento de incidência de lesões no coxim plantar, as aves foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 3 (avaliadores x densidade x metodologias de lesões no coxim plantar), com quatro repetições cada. Para a avaliação de cada metodologia adotada, foram utilizados três avaliadores distintos e previamente treinados sobre a aplicação dos métodos e sem qualquer interação entre si. As médias obtidas foram comparadas pelo Testes de Tukey ao nível de 5% de probabilidade do erro. A repetibilidade do método foi analisada pelos escores mensurados pelos avaliadores. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) foi aplicado com nível de significância de 5 %. Densidades de alojamento mais elevadas afetaram a intensidade de problemas locomotores e de lesões no coxim plantar das aves, aumentando com o desenvolvimento das mesmas. No geral, as metodologias de mensuração de problemas locomotores e de lesão no coxim plantar avaliadas neste estudo são passíveis de aplicação, porém não tão acessíveis de serem interpretadas.

This experiment was carried out in a 104 m² poultry house located between the geographical coordinates 25°45'00" south latitude and 53°03'25" west longitude and an average altitude of 550 m, from September to November, 2008. The chickens were placed in 12 pens measuring 2 m² each at a stocking density of 12 chickens m-2. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of two different initial weights (chick weight on first day of experiment) and two types of litter material on broiler production parameters, litter humidity, as well as on breast and footpad lesions. A total of 240 female Cobb® chickens, derived from the same flock of breeders, was distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a 2 (initial weight) by 2 (litter material) factorial arrangement with three replicates per treatment. Initial weights were classified as light (34.40 - 35.22 g) or heavy (39.29 - 41.30 g), whereas wood shavings and sawdust were used as litter material. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey's test at 95% confidence level. Initial weight significantly influenced bird performance, as chickens with heavy initial weight presented higher feed intake and body weight. Type of litter did not have any effect on breast injuries and litter humidity. However, the wood shavings litter significantly influenced footpad lesions.