Effects of different stocking densities on growth performance, antioxidant ability, and immunity of finishing broilers

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of broilers. One thousand four hundred and forty 22‐day‐old Lingnan Yellow broilers were randomly allotted to five different stocking density groups (8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds per m2). Each group consisted of three replicates. The results showed that 8 and 10 birds/m2 groups had higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the others (p < 0.05). Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the group of 16 birds/m2 had the highest levels (p < 0.05). The group of 16 birds/m2 had the lowest total antioxidant capability (T‐AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activities in blood serum (p < 0.05), and significantly increased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) concentration compared to the groups of 8 and 10 birds/m2 (p < 0.05). In liver, the group of eight birds/m2 had higher T‐AOC levels than that of 12, 14, and 16 birds/m2 (p < 0.05) and also higher catalase (CAT) activities than that of 14 and 16 birds/m2 (p < 0.05); the group of 10 birds/m2 had the highest T‐SOD activities among all groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the above results suggest that stocking density of broilers up to 8 or 10 birds/m2 can prevent the negative effects on growth performance and welfare parameters in broilers.

Effects of different stocking densities on the trachea barrier function and its plasma metabolic profile of finishing broilers

“…It is also known that the increase of stocking density can reduces the bird welfare. Previous study in our lab found that stocking density of broilers up to 8 or 10 birds/ m 2 can prevent the negative effect on growth performance and welfare parameters in broilers [21].…”

“…The experiment birds and treatment was conducted in accordance with our previously described methods [14]. One thousand ve hundred and thirty 1-day-old Lingnan Yellow broiler chickens were obtained from a local commercial hatchery.…”

“…Methods One thousand four hundred and forty 22-day-old Lingnan Yellow feathered broilers were randomly allotted to ve different stocking density groups (8,10,12,14, and 16 birds per m 2 ). Each group consisted of three replicates.…”

First seroepidemiological and risk factor survey of avian metapneumovirus circulation in Moroccan broiler farms

“…It is, moreover, important to ensure proper stocking density rates for optimal results. In contrast, negative effects on growth performance and welfare conditions are observed in broilers reared with a density of more than ten birds/m² (Cai et al, 2019). Farmers can overcrowd birds to reduce fixed charges and optimise heating costs during cold seasons.…”

Effects of stocking density on ovarian development and maturation during the rearing period in Shan-ma ducks

“…Well-developed ovaries ensure the high egg-laying performance of the poultry. In modern poultry production, stocking density has a major impact on ovarian development and egg production ( Cai et al, 2019 ; Li et al, 2019 ). Rearing poultry at high stocking densities reduces sex hormone levels, retards ovarian development, and causes follicular atresia, resulting in poor laying performance ( Rosenfeld et al, 2001 ; Miller and Auchus, 2011 ; Luo et al, 2016 ; Hou et al, 2018 ; Krause and Schrader, 2019 ).…”