Abstract:
This study aims to assess the performance and the stress response
of broilers reared at different stocking densities (SD) during the brooding
period. One hundred and forty-four, Cobb500, day-old broiler chicks
were randomly stocked at three SDs (T1 = 40, T2 = 80, and T3 = 120
chicks/m2) with three replicates in a completely randomised design for 1-
10 days. During the brooding period, daily body weight gain (BWG), feed
intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. The stress
response was assessed by tonic immobility duration (TI) and blood
glucose level (BGL). During the growing period (11-42 days), FI and
BWG were measured. On the 42nd day, birds were slaughtered, and the
carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. TI duration and BGL
were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 (257.40 ± 6 s and 280.55 ± 3
mgdm-3, respectively), and T1 recorded the lowest (40.86 ± 6s and
232.44 ± 3mgdm-3, respectively) at the end of the brooding period.
Significantly higher BWG (2.73 ± 0kg) and significantly lower FCR (1.35
± 0)were observed in T1. T1 recorded a higher profit per bird (LKR
462.95 ± 13) compared to T2 (LKR 374.80 ± 13) and T3 (LKR 372.62 ±
13). Further, different stocking densities resulted in similar carcass and
breast meat quality characteristics. It is concluded that a lower stocking
density (40 birds/m2) during the brooding period can lower the stress
response, enhance the growth performance, and profit from broiler
production.
