Livestock Studies 2019, Vol 59, Num, 3     (Pages: 102-106)

The effect of two different stocking density in broiler chicken on fattening performance, mortality rate and foot pad dermatitis

Bülent Teke 1 ,Mustafa Uğurlu 1 ,Filiz Akdağ 1

1 Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Zootekni Anabilim Dalı, Samsun, Türkiye - This study was carried out to determine the effect of two different stocking densities on average live weight, average feed consumption per chicken, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and foot pad dermatitis of broiler chickens under commercial conditions. Ross 308 chickens were placed in two different densities as 39 kg/m2 and 34 kg/m² into two poultry house and investigated throughout three fattening periods. Average feed consumption per chicken (P<0.01), feed conversion ratio (P<0.01) and mortality rate of 39 kg/m2 density group (P<0.05) were higher than that 34 kg/m2 density group at the end of the 41 days fattening period. Average live weight of 34 kg/m² density group was higher than that 39 kg/m2 density group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the two stocking density groups (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference within the groups (P<0.001) in terms of foot pad dermatitis. According to the research findings, it was concluded that although the fattening performance and mortality rate were negatively affected in density group of 39 kg/m2 compared to that of 34 kg/m2, but it was acceptable in commercial poultry houses with good environmental control. Keywords : Foot pad dermatitis, stocking density, fattening performance, broiler chicken, mortality rate