Carcass traits of broiler chickens as influenced by stocking density, calorie: protein ratio and season

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effect of stocking density, protein and energy levels, and season on the carcass traits of broiler chickens. In a 6x3x2 factorial arrangement using completely randomized design, six diets with three metabolisable energy(ME kcal;/kg) and two crude  protein(%) levels combination: 3106.00 and 23.00(control, diet 1); 3112.00 and 21.70(Diet 2); 2928.00 and 23.40(Diet 3); 2933.00 and 21.90(Diet 4); 3227.00 and 23.10(Diet 5); 3230.00 and 21.80(Diet6),were formulated. Three stocking densities(birds per m2):10,Low SD(LSD);12,Recommended SD(RSD); and 14,High SD(HSD),were used in Late Wet Season(LWS),August-November) and Late Dry Season(LDS,February-April). In a seven-week feeding trial, 576 one-week old broilers were assigned to the respective diets and stocking densities. The percentage prima cuts(Dressed  weight(DW),Breast(BR), Drum Stick(DS), Thigh(TH),Wing(WG), Back(BK), and abdominal fat(AF) was determined.Season significantly affects  percentage BR, DS, WG, and BK with LDS having higher values for BR, WG and BK. Stocking density had significant effect on % DW, WG and BK with HSD and RSD having higher and similar DW and BK. Diets 1-5 had higher and similar %DS while diets 5 and 6 had higher and similar %AF. Late dry season, stocking 14birds/m² and diet with 3045ME/kg and 20.24% crude protein optimised the prima cuts and abdominal fat.

Key Words: Broiler chickens, Stocking density, Season, Protein: Energy, Carcass traits.