Influence of stocking density on growth performance of family chicks reared up to 18 weeks of age in under an intensive system

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of stocking density on growth performance of family chicks reared up to 18 weeks of age under intensive system. A total of 248 day old chicks were randomly assigned to four stocking densities D1, D2, D3 and D4 being 10 birds/m 2 , 13 birds/m 2 , 16 birds/m 2 and 19 birds/m2 in the first phase (0-6 weeks); 8 birds/m 2 , 11 birds/m 2 , 14 birds/m2 and 17 birds/m2 in the second phase (7-12 weeks) and lastly 6 birds/m 2 , 9 birds/m 2 , 12 birds/m2 and 15 birds/m 2 in the third phase (13-18 weeks) due to slaughtering which occurred at the end of each phase in a completely randomized design. The number of replicates per treatment was four. Parameters recorded included feed intake, body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, final live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Data were analysed using the General Linear Model Procedures in Statistical Analysis System. The growth parameters of family chickens reared in three phases under intensive system were not significantly.