Effect of Stocking Density at Brooding Stage on Performances and Stress Response of Broiler Chickens

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.