1Department of Poultry Science, Nagpur Veterinary College, MAFSU, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
2Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, U.P., India
*Corresponding author: P Roy; E-mail: ingewarpin@gmail.com
Online Published on 21 September, 2022.
The present investigation was carried out to investigate the optimum stocking density in conventional California cages depending on the production performance and welfare of commercial white leghorn hens. To achieve the objectives of the designed experiment total 270 commercial white leghorn layer strain of BV 300 were maintained into four stocking densities that is 60 sq. inch (T1), 75 sq. inch (T2), 85 sq. inch (T3) and 100 sq. inch per bird for 20 weeks period, with 18 replicates in each treatment. At the end of the experimental period the birds reared in 85 sq. inch and 100 sq. inches had significantly (P<0.001) higher percentage of hen day egg production, better feed conversion ratio, minimum cost of production per egg & higher egg weight (P<0.05) compared to the birds reared in 60 and 75 sq. inches group. Physiological indicators of welfare i.e. H/L ratio and Corticosterone was significantly better in birds reared at stocking density 85 sq. inch when compared to 60 sq. inches group. Laying hens maintained in California cages at stocking density of 85 and 100 sq. inch per bird recorded the best production and welfare parameters. Therefore, considering best utilization of the space with due weightage to welfare, the commercial layer birds reared at stocking density 85 to 100 sq inch per bird performed well.
• Optimum Stocking Density of layers in cages.
• Production performance at different Stocking Density.
• Welfare indicators at different Stocking density.
California cages, Commercial layers, Production, Stocking density, Welfare
