Impacts of stocking density rates on welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens

Authors

  • Mishkatul Zabir Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Mohammad Alam Miah Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Mahabub Alam Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Md Eftakhar Jahan Bhuiyan Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Md Iqramul Haque Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Khaled Mahmud Sujan Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
  • Afrina Mustari Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Keywords:

Broilers; hemato-biochemical profile; stocking density; welfare

Abstract

Objective: The study investigated the effect of different stocking density (SD) rates on the wel­fare, growth, and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.  Materials and Methods: 106 broiler chicks of 10 days old were used and assigned into four groups: A, B, C, and D. The chicks of group A were reared in floor space containing one bird per square foot area (SD1.0). The chicks of groups B, C, and D were reared at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 birds per square foot area (SD1.5, SD2.0, and SD2.5). Welfare, body weight, and hemato-biochemical parameters were assessed and monitored by physical observation and laboratory methods.  Results: The birds reared at SD2.0, and SD2.5 rates showed increased panting breathing. Wet feces adhered below the vent. There were a significant number of birds showing dirtiness of body and feathers. Birds reared in SD2.5 were familiar with moist litters and high ammonia smell. Foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, and blister formation were detected in the leg. The study revealed that the higher SD negatively correlated to the welfare behavior indicators. Live body weight was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in birds reared at higher SD rates. Birds housed in SD1.0 and SD1.5 are optimum for body weight and improved feed conversion ratio. The hemato-bio­chemical parameters of birds reared at various SD rates did not differ. The total leucocyte count increased significantly, while total serum proteins decreased gradually as SD rates increased.  Conclusion: This work explores that higher SD negatively affects welfare and growth performance in broiler chickens.

J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(4): 642–649, December 2021

http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h556

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Published

2021-11-04

How to Cite

Zabir, M., Miah, M. A., Alam, M., Bhuiyan, M. E. J., Haque, M. I., Sujan, K. M., & Mustari, A. (2021). Impacts of stocking density rates on welfare, growth, and hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research, 8(4), 642–649. Retrieved from https://banglajol.info/index.php/JAVAR/article/view/80084

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2021)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mishkatul Zabir, Mohammad Alam Miah, Mahabub Alam, Md Eftakhar Jahan Bhuiyan, Md Iqramul Haque, Khaled Mahmud Sujan, Afrina Mustari

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