Growth Performance, Feed Intake and Slaughter Characteristics of Broiler Chicken under Three Different Stocking Densities

The issue of optimum stocking density that would underscore broiler yield without compromising performance is a thing of concern to poultry farmers under the challenge of getting enough land for commercial poultry business in Nigeria. This study was then carried out to determine the relative influence of stocking densities (6, 12 and 18 birds per m2 rearing area) on broiler performance and carcass parameters. One hundred and eight (108) broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the three treatments with three replicates per treatment. The study lasted eight weeks; during which the record on average weekly weight gain and feed consumption were kept. At the end of the eight weeks, two birds from each replicate were sacrificed for carcass parameters. Within the limit of this study; stocking density 6 birds/ m2 (SD6) favoured broiler performance in terms of weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio but 18 birds/ m2 (SD18) support carcass growth. Hence high stocking densities support marketing of dressed chicken while low densities promotes broiler welfare.