Effect of stocking density and feeding regime on performance of broiler chicken in summer season

Abstract

A total of five-hundred and fifty (550) day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were used for a period of six weeks to study the effect of different stocking densities and feeding regime on the performance of broiler chicken. The treatments under stocking densities were D 1 (8 bird/m 2), D 2 (10 bird/m 2), D 3 (12 bird/m 2) and D 4 (14 bird/m 2). The form of feeds under feeding regime was F 1 (mash), F 2 (crumble) and F 3 (pellet) feeds. The study revealed that the lower stocking density D 1 consumed significantly (p<0.05) the highest amount of feed and in terms of feed form F 2 group consumed significantly (p<0.05) the highest amount of crumble feed and among the interaction between 'density x feed' D 2F 2 consumed significantly (p<0.05) the highest amount of feed. The average live weight of birds under stocking density D 3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to other density groups; there was no significant difference (p<0.05) among the mash, crumble and pellet groups. The interaction between D 3F 2 was achieved significantly (p<0.05) highest live weight than other treatment groups. Irrespective of feed type, FCR value was significantly better in D4 and D3 (p<0.05) compared to D 2 and D 1. Similarly irrespective stocking density, crumble feed performed better FCR compared to others and the interaction group D3F2 showed significantly better (p<0.05) FCR compared to other combinations. The birds under lower stocking density D1 consumed significantly (p<0.05) the highest amount of water; but the form of feeds (F 1, F 2 and F 3) had no significant (p<0.05) effect on water intake and the water intake was significantly higher (p<0.05) in D 1F 1 compared to other treatments. No significant difference (p<0.05) in mortality was found among different stocking densities, feeding regime and different interaction groups. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR)/m 2 under D 3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to others; the F 1, F 2 and F 3 feeds had no significant effect on BCR and D 3F 2 group was significantly (p<0.05) profitable than other combinations. The dressing % of stocking density D1 and D2 were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to D 3 and D 4. No significant difference (p<0.05) in dressing % was found among F 1, F 2 and F 3 feeds, similar results were observed in different carcass parts for stocking density and feed types. Significantly higher (p<0.05) abdominal fat deposition were found higher in D 3 and D 4. Lower stocking density showed higher dressing percent. The stocking density and feeding regimes had no significant effect on different carcass parts of broiler except higher abdominal fat deposition was found in higher stocking density groups. Finally, it can be concluded that during summer the stocking density 12 bird/m 2 fed on crumble feed may be profitable for commercial broiler production up to six weeks in Bangladesh condition. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011.