Effects of Stocking Density and Litter Type on Litter Quality and Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of stocking density and litter type on growth performance of broiler chickens as well as dressing percentage and some litter quality indicators. 684 male broiler (Ross PM3) was used for a 6 weeks period in the experiment. The day-old chicks were randomly assigned in two litter groups: Rice hulls and wood shavings. Each litter group was further divided in three stocking density (15, 19 and 23 chicks/m(2)). Chicks in the each group were randomized into three replicates at hatch and they were housed in a deep litter pens (1x2 m, each) in an environmentally controlled house. The litter type and stocking density had significant effect on the final body weight of broiler (P<0.05, P<0.001), lenght of foot pad lesions of the birds (P<0.001, P<0.001), litter moisture (P<0.01, P<0.05) and litter pH contents (P<0.05, P<0.05). The results of this study suggest that greater stocking density more than 15 chicks per square meter and rice hull adversely affects live body weight of broilers and main litter quality indicators. But up to a critical point, profitability increases with increased stocking density because of the reduction of fixed cost and more kilograms production of broiler per area. Depends on the price and availability rice hull can be used as litter material instead of wood shaving.