Performance, carcass characteristics and litter moisture in broilers housed at two densities
The effect of stocking density in broiler chickens (11.08 and 13.20 birds m-2), between 5 and 45 days of age, was assessed with regard to performance, cut yield, litter moisture and frequency of pododermatitis injuries. Further, 476 one-day chicks Cobb 500(r) were distributed in a completely randomized design at two densities (birds m-²), with seven replications per treatment in 14 experimental units. Birds housed at a lower density (11.08) increased feed intake (p < 0.05), without any effect on weight gain and feed conversion. Retail yields were not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. In the case of higher density (3.20) the litter showed higher moisture content (p < 0.05) at 28 and 35 days of age. There was a higher occurrence of pododermatitis in birds housed at a density of 13.20 birds m-2. Results show that increased housing density from 11.08 to 13.20 birds m-2 does not affect growth performance, carcass yield and cuts. However, a housing density of 13.20 birds m-2 increased litter moisture and provided a higher occurrence of grade I pododermatitis.
| Autores principales: | , , , , , |
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| Formato: | Digital revista |
| Idioma: | English |
| Publicado: |
Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - EDUEM
2015
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| Acceso en línea: | http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1807-86722015000100035 |
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