Effects of Stock Density and Nutrient Levels on Growth Performance, Serum Profile, Immune Status and Meat Quality in Korean Native Chickens

Abstract

The study determined the effects of stock density (SD) and energy level (EL) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, and meat quality in Korean native chickens. A total of 240 chickens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments including two stock density (low, 14, and high, 16 chickens per m) and two energy level (low, 2,950, 3,000, 3050 ME kcal/kg, and high 3,150, 3,200, 3,250 ME kcal/kg, for starter, grower, and finisher, respectively). During the whole period of the experiment, the chickens were fed ad libitum. The greater final body weight and weight gain were achieved in chickens fed high energy diet, whereas the final body weight and weight gain were significantly reduced in high-density treatment compared with the low density. Chickens in low-density groups had a higher feed intake compared with high-density treatment, however, the energy level did not affect the feed intake. An improved overall feed conversion ratio was detected in the high energy treatment. There was a significant interaction between stock density and energy level on cholesterol concentration. The concentration of aspartate transaminase in serum was increased by higher stock density. There was a significant treatment interaction on IgM levels. Moreover, the carcass rate was significantly increased in the high energy level treatment. Based on the findings, we suggest that rearing chickens in low density with high dietary energy levels could be beneficial by improving the growth performance. (