Impacts of stocking density rates on welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens
Mishkatul Zabir, Mohammad Alam Miah, Mahabub Alam, Md Eftakhar Jahan Bhuiyan, Md. Iqramul Haque, Khaled Mahmud Sujan, Afrina Mustari
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: 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.