Influence of stocking density on the performance, carcass characteristics, hemato-biochemical indices of Vanaraja chickens

A total 90 Vanaraja experimental birds were divided into three respective groups based on floor density viz., G1 (16 birds/m²), ₂ (12 birds/m²) and G₃ (8 birds/m²). No significant difference in average live weight and carcass weight was observed between groups. Average feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and dressing percentage in G₂ and G₃ was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to G₁. There were no significant effect (P>0.05) of stocking density in the carcass characteristics except the heart weight. There were non significant differences among groups for total protein, albumin, globulin and A: G ratio. Blood glucose was significantly (P>0.05) higher in group G₁ as compared to G₂ and G₃. Blood cholesterol level increased with increase in stocking density but not significantly. Blood parameters eosinophil, monocyte, basophil counts and H: L ratio were not affected by the stocking density. Hb concentration increased non-significantly with increased stocking density. Vanaraja birds from 8 birds/m² to 12 birds/m² give the better growth performance, FCR and dressing percentage without change in blood biochemical and hematological indices.