Effect of stocking density on productive and phyiological performance of Egyptian laying chickens
Abstract: A total of 432 pullets and 44 cocks of Dandarawy and Bandarah strains at sexual maturity (20 wk old) were randomly chosen.
Birds in both strains were allocated into three groups and fed the same diets. The 1st (control), 2nd 3rd groups were placed in 8, 12 and 16 birds /m2 (floor area unit) to achieve hen densities of 1250, 834, 625 cm2/birds, respectively. Effects of laying hens stocking density were taken into consideration and assessed.
Results indicated that high stoking densities significantly reduced body weight gain, egg production rate, total egg mass and feed consumption. Additionally, feed conversion was not affected and mortality rate was significantly increased Plasma total protein as well as albumin and globulin, A/G, GPT, GOT, glucose and T3 were not affected However, a significant higher level of corticosterone was detected due to highest stocking densities only. Beside, erythrocytes and leucocytes (Eosinophil, basophil and monocyte and Heterophils) were increased A significant raise in heterophils cells number, together with a corresponding significant reduction in lymphocyte cells number was observed. Also, Heterophils / Lymphocytes ratio (H/L ratio) was significant increased The Relative weights of lymphoid organs (thymus and spleen) and physiological organs (thyroid glands and heart) were increased significantly at highest stocking densities. Moreover, Litter pH and litter ammonia increased as stocking density increased. However, egg quality, blood pH, body terpperature, respiratory rate, house temperature and house humidity were not significantly affected. Furthermore, fertility, hatchability, hatched chick weight percentages were decreased due to keeping the hens at highest stocking densities. The two chicken strains responded similarly to high stoking densities. The results would suggest that increasing the number of birds to 12 birds/m2 increased egg productivity with no physiological or egg quality harmful effects. Besides, The new aspect causes sharp decreases (50%) in the housing, wages, labor and equipment costs per hen subsequently maximizing profits and increasing economic returns.
Publication year 2006
Pages p.347-366
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
Country Egypt
City الاسكندرية
serial title Egyptian Poultry Science
Volume 26 . 1
Department Poultry Breeding Research Department
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - NutritionAnimal physiology - Reproduction
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Egypt. Layer chickens. Performance testing. Physiological functions. Production. Stocking density.
Publication Type Journal
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