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Stocking density effects on growth performance and processing yields of heavy broilers.

W A Dozier1, J P Thaxton, S L Branton

  • 1USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, PO Box 5367, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762-5367, USA. bdozier@msa-msstate.ars.usda.gov

Poultry Science
|September 15, 2005
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Increasing broiler chicken density beyond 30 kg/m² negatively impacts live performance, reducing weight gain and feed consumption. Higher densities also increase litter moisture and footpad lesions in male broilers.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Poultry Science
  • Livestock Management

Background:

  • Optimizing broiler chicken production involves balancing stocking density with animal welfare and performance.
  • Previous research indicates potential negative impacts of high-density housing on broiler health and growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of different placement densities on the performance and carcass yield of male broilers.
  • To determine the optimal stocking density for heavy broiler production within a 49-day cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Two trials were conducted using 1,488 male broiler chicks per trial, randomly assigned to 32 floor pens.
  • Four final densities were simulated: 30, 35, 40, and 45 kg of body weight per square meter (BW/m²).
  • Growth rate, feed consumption, litter moisture, foot pad scores, and carcass yields were measured throughout the 49-day production cycle.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • From 1 to 49 days, increasing placement density from 30 to 45 kg BW/m² adversely affected body weight gain and feed consumption.
  • Litter moisture content and foot pad lesion scores increased linearly with higher stocking densities.
  • Whole carcass and breast meat yields relative to body weight were not significantly affected by density, but scratch prevalence on carcasses increased.

Conclusions:

  • Increasing broiler placement density beyond 30 kg BW/m² negatively impacts live performance, including reduced weight gain and feed intake.
  • Higher densities lead to poorer litter quality and increased foot pad lesions, indicating compromised animal welfare.
  • While carcass yield is maintained, increased scratches suggest potential issues with bird handling or pen conditions at higher densities.