Effects of stocking density on broiler performance and health status

Document Type : Scientific-Extensional Article

Authors

1 Ph.D., Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Animal Science and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran

2 Associated Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Animal Science and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran

3 Ph.D. Student of Animal and Poultry Breeding & Genetics, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran

Abstract

To maximize the genetic growth potential of broiler chickens, optimal environmental conditions should be provided. In this regard, any failure to provide optimal conditions may negatively affect birds' performance. Stocking density has critical implications in the broiler industry since higher returns can be obtained as the number of birds per unit of space increases. Previously, stocking densities were determined by a simple cost-benefit analysis in commercial broiler farms; however, it has been proved that excessive densities did not only result in lower economic profits, but also reduced bird performance, health, and welfare. Currently recommended densities by producers are rather variable, and therefore, it is necessary to establish management guidelines based on practical and scientific outcomes. Recent studies, in agreement, indicated that the broiler chickens’ performance, health, and welfare are compromised when the stocking density alleviates to less than 0.0625 to 0.07 m2/bird (equivalent to about 34 to 38 kg/m2 ~14-15 birds/m2 for 2.5 kg final body weight). In this context, negative consequences include a reduction in both feed intake and final body weight, and in severe cases, foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, bruising, poor feathering, tibial dyschondroplasia, physiological stress, and mortality have been well documented. In conclusion, it can be stated that a high and limited stocking density without sufficient control over environmental factors may lead to serious damage to the growth performance, health, and welfare status of the broiler chickens. In this review study, attempts have been made to establish the effect of various stocking densities in broiler farms on their growth performance, feed and water intake, carcass quality, leg weakness, litter microbial load, physiological stress, and immune status.

Keywords

References

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