Poultry Studies 2017, Vol 14, Num, 1     (Pages: 001-004)

Production Performance of Hubbard Broilers with Different Stocking Densities under Hot Climatic Conditions of Pakistan

Muhammad Naeem 1 ,Naeem Tahir 1 ,Faisal Shahzad 2

1 University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2 Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
- The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of four stocking densities on the production performance i.e. weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality of Hubbard broilers chicks under hot climate. The ambient temperature 35ºC to 45ºC caused the increase in actual experimental house temperature irrespective of set point house temperature, as naturally ventilated open sided house with extraction fans was used for the experiment. Four of the stocking density treatments; 10 birds/m², 12 birds/m², 9 birds/m² and 8 birds/m² were provided to the four groups A, B, C and D, respectively. The experiment was conducted for 2 to 6 week of age of the birds (7 days adaptation period and 35 days experimental period). Water and feed were provided ad libitum. Twenty-three hours light was provided. Weight gain per bird (2-6 weeks) of groups A, B, C and D was recorded as 1851.337, 1823.556, 1745.777 and 1834.663g, respectively. The average feed consumption per bird (2-6 weeks) was 3987.333, 4098.667, 4081.333 and 4123.667g for the groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) per the bird (2-6 weeks) was 2.154, 2.248, 2.338 and 2.248 for the group A, B, C and D, respectively. Mortality for the four groups A, B, C and D was recorded as 6.667, 10.000, 3.333 and 0.000 percent, respectively. When the data calculated for weight gain, feed intake, FCR and mortality was analyzed statistically, the difference between the groups of four stocking density was found to be non-significant. However, the birds those were highly stocked showed more mortality apparently. Keywords : Broiler Production, Performance, Stocking Density, Hot Climate