Impact of Different Stocking Density on Productive and economic Performance of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The present study was conducted at the poultry farm of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sulaimani in Bakrajo from 8/1/2015 to 20/2/2015. Ninety eight one-day old broiler chicks were distributed on three stocking densities to study broiler performance and economic index. Three treatments of stocking densities: T1, T2 and T3 were respectively as follow (8, 12 and 16 birds/ m2) . Broiler chickens feed intake were taken on each pen at 1, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 42 days in addition to the daily record of body weight, average weight gain, average feed intake, average feed conversion ratio and viability. Body weight and average weight gain for males and females were weekly recorded. Values of European Broiler Index and European Production Efficiency Factor were calculated at 28 and 42 days of age. Body weight of birds did not significantly (p≤0.05) affected within different periods except at day (28) of age. Birds in T1 significantly (p≤0.05) showed higher body weight comparing with other treatments. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (p≤0.05) better for birds in T1 at all periods (1to 42) days of age than birds in T2 and T3. However, the average weight gain and feed intake did not significantly affected by different stocking densities at all periods. The body weight and weight gain of males were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than females at all periods except at one day old. The different stocking densities of broiler chickens were positively influenced the growth performance (body weight. European Broiler Index and European Production Efficiency Factor were numerically higher for T1 birds compared with other treatments.