A biological study was conducted at Poultry Unit, VAS, Dharwad using 400 chicks in 4 groups consisting of two replication of 50 chicks in each replication. Group consists of 0.50 sq.ft./bird, 0.75 sq.ft./bird, 1.00 sq.ft./bird and 1.25 sq.ft./bird floor space. Birds reared on 1.25 sq.ft./bird floor space, the body weight gain was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the remaining groups. Feed consumption remained non significant (P ≤ 0.05) among the groups. Feed efficiency was better in higher spaced birds compared to lower spaced birds. Mortality rate was reduced as floor space increased.Lowest litter moisture and litter score was observed in 1.25 sq.ft./bird and significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference was seen with other groups. Gross returns were higher in birds ofgroup reared on 1.25 sq.ft./bird.
Broilers, floor space, economics, litter condition
