JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND VETERINARY ADVANCES, cilt.10, sa.2, ss.246-250, 2011 (SCI-Expanded)
In the present study, the effect of stocking density on chick performance, internal organ weights and blood parameters were investigated in broilers. A total of 327 Ross 308 broilers divided into 3 stocking density groups (9, 13 and 17 birds m(-2)). The live weight gain of broilers grown at density of 13 birds m(-2) was higher (p<0.01) than those at the other two densities during the 2nd and 3rd weeks (p<0.01). Birds in highest stocking density group (17 birds m(-2)) had the lowest live weight gain of all three groups during the 4th, 5th and 6th weeks (p<0. 01). The difference of livability among groups was not significant (p>0.05). The 17 birds m(-2) stocking density group had better food conversion ratio than 9 and 13 birds m(-2) stocking density groups between 21-42 days. The difference of food conversion ratio between stocking density groups was not significant between 0-21 and 0-42 days (p>0.05). The difference in carcass yield, pH, meat colors (E) and internal organ weights of stocking density groups was not significant (p>0.05). The plasma protein levels were significant among the density groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, 13 birds m(-2) stocking density groups is more suitable than 9 and 17 birds m(-2) stocking density groups in rearing conditions.