Effect of Stocking Density on Chick Performance, Internal Organ Weights and Blood Parameters in Broilers

• DOI: 10.3923/javaa.2011.246.250
• Publication Date: 2011-01-25T01:10:06Z
• Authors: Ahmet Sekeroglu; Musa Sarica; Mehmet Sukru Gulay; Mustafa Duman
• Keywords: internal organ weights; blood parameters; Turkey; rearing condition; Stocking density; 0402 animal and dairy science; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; broiler performance

WOS: 000286531000023 In the present study, the effect of stocking density on chick performance, internal organ weights and blood parameters were investigated in broilers. A total of 327 Ross 308 broilers divided into 3 stocking density groups (9, 13 and 17 birds m(-2)). The live weight gain of broilers grown at density of 13 birds m(-2) was higher (p<0.01) than those at the other two densities during the 2nd and 3rd weeks (p<0.01). Birds in highest stocking density group (17 birds m(-2)) had the lowest live weight gain of all three groups during the 4th, 5th and 6th weeks (p<0. 01). The difference of livability among groups was not significant (p>0.05). The 17 birds m(-2) stocking density group had better food conversion ratio than 9 and 13 birds m(-2) stocking density groups between 21-42 days. The difference of food conversion ratio between stocking density groups was not significant between 0-21 and 0-42 days (p>0.05). The difference in carcass yield, pH, meat colors (E) and internal organ weights of stocking density groups was not significant (p>0.05). The plasma protein levels were significant among the density groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, 13 birds m(-2) stocking density groups is more suitable than 9 and 17 birds m(-2) stocking density groups in rearing conditions.