Impact of Stocking Density on the Growth Performances of Caged Broilers During Summer Season

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of stocking density on the growth performance of caged broilers during the summer season in small animal laboratory, Department of animal husbandry and dairying, Prayagraj Utter Pradesh. A total 72 day-old (Cobb-400) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to different treatment groups, each with eight replicates. Three stocking density treatments viz. T1 (2 sq. ft. per bird,) T2 (1.33 sq. ft. per bird) and T3 (1 sq. ft. per bird) were carried out. The birds in all the treatments and replicates fed with the same uniform standard diet as per BIS 2007. The results showed that birds in the 1.33 sq. ft. per bird group had the highest body weight and gain in weight followed by that of 2 sq. ft. and 1 sq. ft. per bird groups. Higher stocking density led to a decrease in body weight due to increased stress and competition for resources. A moderate stocking density optimized space usage and improved growth performance. While there were no significant differences in gain in weight, the trend favored the moderate density. These findings highlighted the importance of maintaining the suitable stocking density to improve the growth, health, and productivity of broilers, especially in hot conditions.