Impacts of stocking density rates on welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens

Abstract

Objective: The study investigated the effect of different stocking density (SD) rates on the welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: 106 broiler chicks of 10 days old were used and assigned into four groups: A, B, C, and D. The chicks of group A were reared in floor space containing one bird per square foot area (SD1.0). The chicks of groups B, C, and D were reared at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 birds per square foot area (SD1.5, SD2.0, and SD2.5). Welfare, body weight, and hemato-biochemical parameters were assessed and monitored by physical observation and laboratory methods. Results: The birds reared at SD2.0, and SD2.5 rates showed increased panting breathing. Wet feces adhered below the vent. There were a significant number of birds showing dirtiness of body and feathers. Birds reared in SD2.5 were familiar with moist litters and high ammonia smell. Foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, and blister formation were detected in the leg. The study revealed that the higher SD negatively correlated to the welfare behavior indicators. Live body weight was significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased in birds reared at higher SD rates. Birds housed in SD1.0 and SD1.5 are optimum for body weight and improved feed conversion ratio. The hemato-biochemical parameters of birds reared at various SD rates did not differ. The total leucocyte count increased significantly, while total serum proteins decreased gradually as SD rates increased. Conclusion: This work explores that higher SD negatively affects welfare and growth performance in broiler chickens.

Enhancing effects of Aloe vera gel extracts on the humoral and cellular immune response and growth performance in broiler chickens

“…For serum separation, blood was left to coagulate at room temperature for a period of 2–3 h and was refrigerated at 4°C overnight. Sera were separated and stored for biochemical testing [ 19 ].…”

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth

“…Overcrowding or high stocking densities can increase the risk of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens, as the birds are more likely to come into contact with wet or contaminated litter and have limited space to move around [37][38][39][40]. However, studies by Granquist et al [24] and Ekstrand et al [32] have shown that stocking density had a low correlation with footpad dermatitis or leg health.…”

Prevalence of peste des petits ruminants and concurrent hematological, liver and kidney function test of Black Bengal goats reared in Jaintapur, Sylhet district in Bangladesh

“…The biochemical parameters include i) ALT (IU/L), ii) AST (IU/L) and iii) creatinine (mg/dl) were performed colorimetrically using Humalyzer 2000 (Human type, Germany) following instructions provided (Zabir et al, 2021).…”