Effects of Stocking Density and Daily Feeding Frequency on Growth Performance and Hematological Profile of Broiler Chickens Under Heat Stress
Sry Bina Mangkujagat1, Djoni Prawira Rahardja2a, Herry Sonjaya2, Hasbi2, Kusumandari Indah Prahaesti2, Aulia Uswa Noor Khasanah2

Author Affiliations
1Graduate Student of Animal Production Department - Animal Science Facullty, Hasanuddin University, Address s Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar, 90245
2.Animal Physiology Laboratory, Animal Production Department - Animal Science Facullty, Hasanuddin University, Address s Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar, 90245

Abstract

Abstract. This study was conducted to elucidate effects of stocking density (i.e.SD6= 6, SD8= 8 and SD10= 10 birds/m2) and daily feeding frequency (i.e., FF1=1, FF2=2, and FF3=3 times daily) on growth performance and hematological profile of broiler chicken. The research was arranged as a factorial experiment (3 x 3) based on Randomized Block Design with 3 replication groups. A total of 108 unsex broilers aged 14 days were used at the start of treatment up to 35 days of age.They were placed in an animal stall with Heat Strees Index vary between 28.5 to 53.0. Parameters observed were performance (final body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion) and hematological profile (erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio). Variance analysis were used to explore the main and interaction effects of the 2 factors, then continued with Duncan multiple range test to differentiate between treatment mean values at level of 5%. The results suggested that there were no interaction effects between SD and FF factors either on both parameters of production performance and hematological profile. SD did significant effects on Final body weight and feed conversion ratio. Final body weight of SD6 was significantly heavier than those of SD8 and SD10. This attainment was seemingly supported by better feed utilization. All values of hematological profile parameter indicated normal values. There was no significant effect of SD on hematological values, while FF did significant effect on Hb level. The Hb level of FF1 was gradually decreased to that of FF3. In conclusion that, with normal values of hematological profile, stocking density of 6 birds/m2 (SD6) or to achieve 12 - 13 kg/m2 independently of feeding frequency (1-3 times/day) resulted in better chicken performance compared to that of the other stocking density levels (SD8 and SD10).

Keywords: Key words: Broiler, Stocking Density, production performance, hematological profile

Topic: Poultry Production and Nutrition