<b>Performance, carcass characteristics and litter moisture in broilers housed at two densities

Abstract

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® 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) 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.

Keywords

• chickens
• feed intake
• stocking
• environment
• pododermatitis
• welfare