Stocking density effects on growth performance and processing yields of heavy broilers

Abstract

This study examined responses of male broilers during a 49-d production cycle to 4 placement densities in 2 trials. Trials were pooled because no treatment x trial interaction occurred. In each trial, 1,488 male chicks were randomly placed into 32 floor pens to simulate final densities of 30 (37 chicks/pen), 35 (43 chicks/ pen), 40 (50 chicks/pen), and 45 (56 chicks/pen) kg of BW/m2 of floor space based on a projected final BW of 3.29 kg. Growth rate and nutrient utilization were similar (P > or = 0.05) among the treatments from 1 to 32 d of age. From 1 to 49 d, BW gain (P = 0.011) and feed consumption (P = 0.029) were adversely affected by increasing the placement density from 30 to 45 kg of BW/m2 of floor space. The reduction in cumulative BW gain due to placement density can be partially explained by less feed consumption as evidenced by 95.4% of the sums of squares of BW gain being attributable to feed consumption. Litter moisture content (P = 0.025) and foot pad lesion score (P = 0.001) increased linearly with increasing placement density. Upon processing, whole carcass and breast meat yields relative to BW were not affected (P > or = 0.05) as density increased from 30 to 45 kg/m2. The proportion of whole carcasses with scratches, but not tears, on the back and thighs increased (P = 0.021) as density increased. These results indicate that increasing the density beyond 30 kg/m2 elicited some negative effects on live performance of heavy broilers.

Live Performance, Carcass Yield, and Welfare of Broilers of Different Genetic Strains Reared at Different Housing Densities

“…The final body weight results of the present experiment are consistent with those obtained by Dozier et al (2005b), who did not find live weight differences in 32-d-old broilers reared in environmentallycontrolled houses at densities of 9, 11, 12, or 13 birds/ m 2 . In addition, Oliveira et al (2005) and Buijs et al (2009) did not observe any effect of rearing density on that parameter either.…”

Effects of Dietary Threonine Levels and Stocking Density on the Performance, Metabolic Status and Immunity of Broiler Chickens

“…Moreover, a reduction in access to water and feed, enhancement ammonia and an unfavorable air quality because of insufficient air exchange (Feddes et al, 2002). In addition, Dozier et al (2005) reported that the negative effect of a high stocking density on broiler growth rate is double as the chicks progressed in BW. Under stressors, the behavioral patterns of birds will be changed and Asian J. Anim.…”

Footpad Dermatitis in Broiler Chickens in Japan

“…FPD is thought to be caused mainly by litter condition, especially high moisture in the litter [11,17,20,21]. Litter condition involves stocking density [7,8,12,25,26], feedstuff composition [9,12], litter material [15] and housing system [24]. It varies significantly according to the farm management, and therefore, the incidence of FPD at different farms is thought to be uneven.…”