Effect of stocking density on broilers behaviour and welfare indices.

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to determine how stocking density affected the behaviour, growth, physiological responses, and leg condition of broilers. 195 five-day old, unsexed Ross strain chicks were randomly allotted into 3 treatments. low stocking density (10 birds/m 2 , LSD), medium stocking density (15 birds/m 2 , MSD) and high stocking density (18 birds/m 2 , HSD). Each treatment had 3 pens (1.5 m 2 ), and approximately four weeks were spent on the study. The HSD demonstrated reduced rates ( P < 0.05) of laying, locomotion, eating, preening and longer periods of tonic immobility. Final body weight and total body weight gain were significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced in the HSD. Also, HSD group showed increased ( P < 0.05) heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol, and significantly increased gait issues and footpad and hock burns. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in litter quality (moisture, ASH, pH) and bone quality (tibiae and femurs measurements) between all treatments. Conclusion, the results indicate that HSD had a negative effect on broiler ’ s behaviour and welfare indicators, therefore it should be avoided in poultry farms and further investigations are still required to figure out the best methods for its control.