Impacts of Stocking Density on Broiler Chicken Performance Stress Reaction and Mortality in Broiler Chicken

Abstract

tThe present study investigated the effect of stocking density on growth performance, stress reaction, and mortality in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) day-old straight run commercial broiler chicks (Vencob) were divided into two batches having 120 chicks each and further subdivided into three equal groups (G1, G2, G3) representing different stocking densities (20, 25, and 30-meter square/bird) having 40 chicks in each group. It was evident that, after the 2nd week, body weight gain of G3 group was significantly (p<0.01) higher than G2 and G1. In 4th week, body weight gain of G2 and G3 groups was significantly (p<0.01) higher than G1. After completion of 35 days of the trial, the last week’s body weight gain of G2 (577.15 ± 28.78 g) was found significantly (p <0.01) higher than G1 (554.07 ± 28.78 g) and G3 (517.35 ± 28.78 g). During 1st week, the FCR of broiler chicken of G1 (1.96 ± 0.02) group was found to be significantly (p <0.01) higher than G2 (1.83 ± 0.02) and G3 (1.82 ± 0.02). During 3rd week, FCR of G1 (1.94 ± 0.02) group was significantly (p<0.01) higher, while at 4th week, the FCR of G3 (1.81 ± 0.03) was found significantly (p<0.01) higher than other groups. The least square means of H/L ratio were significantly higher in G1 and G3 groups as compared to the G2 group. During the experimental period, 2.5 % mortality was observed in G1 and G2 groups, whereas 5% in group G3.