Broiler performance at different stocking density

Stocking density has critical implications for the broiler industry because higher returns can be obtained as the number of birds per unit space increases, but economic profit may come at the cost of reduced bird performance, health, and welfare if densities are excessive. Present study aimed at determining the optimum spacing density for Cobb-100 broilers in hot, humid area of West Bengal. Average body weight, mortality per cent, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Production index, Profitability index, Total revenue and Net Profit per unit area of floor space were analyzed in broilers corresponding to four spacing density-T₁(0.8 sq.ft per bird), T₂(1.0 sq. ft per bird), T₃(1.5 sq. ft per bird) and C (1.2 sq. ft per bird). Average body weight of T₃ group was found to be highly significant (p<0.01) compared to other groups in the age of both 4^th and 6^th week. No significant difference was found in mortality percentage. Broiler welfare in terms of mortality percentage is little compromised in high stocking density. However, FCR, Production index, Profitability index and total revenue were found to be significantly (p<0.01) lower in T₁ group (0.8 sq.ft per bird) in comparison to T₂, T₃ and Control. Interestingly, net profit per unit area of floor space was found to be non significant among all the groups. It was concluded that farmers with limitations of space should go for high stocking density with proper ventilation with no significant financial loss.