scholarly journals Impact of stocking density on the rearing environment and growth performance of broiler chicken

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 65-81
Author(s):  
E. K. Asaniyan ◽  
V. O. Akinduro

The consequence of high stocking density in commercial production of broiler chickens under the changing climate could predispose the chickens to adverse conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the influence of stocking density on the rearing environment and performance of broiler chicken. Ninety (90) one day-old chicks of Arbor acre breed were used as experimental units in the trial that lasted eight (8) weeks. The bird were randomly assigned to three treatments of stocking densities 5, 10 and 15 birds/m2 with three replicates per treatment. The birds were raised in deep litter system bedded with woodshaving at 1 m2 per replicate. They were fed ad libitum with commercial broiler diets with drinking water supplied without restrictions. The meteorological data (Temperature and Relative Humidity) within the pen were obtained using the Maxims thermocron i-button Temperature and Humidity sensors and a stand-alone automated weather station was deployed outside the pen house which measured Temperature and Relative humidity parameters within the premises (Figure 1c), which were programmed to measure at 10 minutes sampling interval. Data collected were on daily ambient temperature and relative humidity, feed intake, water intake, weight gain and computed feed conversion ratio. The temperature of the broiler pens was found inversely related to its relative humidity across the treatments with relative fluctuations as the birds grow. Temperature within the pens (ambient temperature) increased with the stocking densities; stocking density 15 birds/m2 (25.94±0.125oC -31.79±0.360oC) being the hottest while 5 birds/m2 (25.47±0.136oC - 31.43±0.353oC ) was the least. Birds at stocking density of 5 birds/m2 (90.00g/bird/week – 2197.78g/bird/week) performed better in terms of growth and followed by those of 10 birds/m2 (95.00g/bird/week – 2018.52g/bird/week). Stocking densities of 15 birds/m2 (84.19g/bird/week – 1907.44g/bird/week) recorded the lowest weight gain. The combine influence of weather parameters (temperature and relative humidity) in bringing about growth of the birds diminishes as the stocking density increases. There was virtually no significant influence of the stocking densities on weekly mean temperature and relative humidity in the broiler chicken pens throughout the period of the study. Therefore, for eight weeks rearing period under any of the stocking density levels, fatality of weather modification could be prevented within the rearing environment through provision of adequate ventilation.   La conséquence de la forte densité d'élevage dans la production commerciale de poulets de chair dans le climat changeant pourrait prédisposer les poulets à des conditions défavorables. Par conséquent, cette étude a été menée pour étudier l'influence de la densité d'élevage sur l'environnement d'élevage et les performances des poulets de chair. Quatrevingt-dix (90) poussins d'un jour de race 'Arbor acre' ont été utilisés comme unités expérimentales dans l'essai qui a duré huit (8) semaines. Les oiseaux ont été assignés auhasard à trois traitements de densités de peuplement de 5, 10 et 15 oiseaux / m2 avec trois répétitions par traitement. Les oiseaux ont été élevés dans un système de litière profonde recouvert d'un rasage de bois à 1 m2 par répétition. Ils ont été nourris ad libitum avec des régimes commerciaux pour poulets de chair avec de l'eau potable fournie sans restrictions. Les données météorologiques (température et humidité relative) à l'intérieur du stylo ont été obtenues à l'aide des capteurs de température et d'humidité 'Maximsthermocron i-button' et une station météorologique automatisée autonome a été déployée à l'extérieur de l'enclos qui mesurait les paramètres de température et d'humidité relative dans les locaux (Figure 1c), et ils ont été programmés pour mesurer à 10 minutes d'intervalle d'échantillonnage. Les données recueillies concernaient la température ambiante quotidienne et l'humidité relative, la consommation alimentaire, la consommation d'eau, le gain de poids et le taux de conversion alimentaire calculé. La température des enclos a été trouvée inversement proportionnelle à son humidité relative pendant les traitements avec des fluctuations relatives à mesure que les oiseaux grandissent. La température à l'intérieur des enclos (température ambiante) augmentait avec les densités de stockage ; densité de peuplement 15 oiseaux / m2 (25,94 ± 0,125 ° C -31,79 ± 0,360 ° C) étant le plus chaud tandis que 5 oiseaux / m2 (25,47 ± 0,136 ° C -31,43 ± 0,353 ° C) était le moins. Les oiseaux ayant une densité de peuplement de 5 oiseaux / m2 (90,00 g / oiseau / semaine - 2197,78 g / oiseau / semaine) ont obtenu de meilleurs résultats en termes de croissance et suivis par ceux de 10 oiseaux / m2 (95,00 g / oiseau / semaine - 2018,52 g / oiseau / semaine). Des densités de peuplement de 15 oiseaux / m2 (84,19 g / oiseau / semaine - 1907,44 g / oiseau / semaine) ont enregistré le gain de poids le plus faible. L'influence combinée des paramètres météorologiques (température et humidité relative) dans la croissance des oiseaux diminue au fur et à mesure que la densité d'élevage augmente. Il n'y avait pratiquement aucune influence significative des densités de peuplement sur la température moyenne hebdomadaire et l'humidité relative dans les enclos de poulets de chair pendant toute la période de l'étude. Par conséquent, pendant une période d'élevage de huit semaines, quel que soit le niveau de densité de peuplement, la mortalité due aux modifications climatiques pourrait être évitée dans l'environnement d'élevage grâce à une ventilation adéquate.

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-103
Author(s):  
K. O. Bello ◽  
A. E. Adiatu ◽  
M. O. Osunlakin ◽  
O. O. Oni

One hundred and thirty five 18weeks old Bovans Nera Black strain pullets were used in a 10week study to determine their heat balance and blood profile under varying stocking density in locally fabricated metal-type cage system. The cages were stocked 2, 3 and 4birds/cell. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity of the cage and rectal temperature of the birds were taken and heat balance calculated. Record of Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood count (WBC) and differential of the birds were taken at beginning and end of the study for the haematological indices while blood glucose, total protein, Albumin and blood urea were taken for the bio-chemical measurements. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, and heat balance showed no significant (P>0.05) difference with cage stocking density. Cage stocking density had significant (P<0.05) effect on rectal temperature of layers. Bird stocked 3/cell recorded the least (41.14oC) rectal temperature while those stocked 4/cell recorded the highest (41.27oC). All the haematological parameters of the birds were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by stocking density of the cage type. Bio-chemical measurements were not significantly (P>0.05) different among layers under varying stocking density of the cage except total protein (P<0.05). Layers stocked 4/cell recorded highest (5.22g/dl) total protein while those stocked 3/cell had the least value (4.37g/dl). However, the values were within the normal range recommended for healthy chicken. The study concluded that locally fabricated metal-type battery cage could be used to rear layers and stocking density of 3birds/cell is ideal without compromising the welfare of the birds.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Béke Nivelle ◽  
Liesbeth Vermeulen ◽  
Sanne Van Beirendonck ◽  
Jos Van Thielen ◽  
Bert Driessen

Between November 2016 and October 2017, 23 horse transports from 18 collection points to two slaughterhouses in Argentina and one in Uruguay were monitored. The goal of this study was to characterize the current practices in commercial horse transports and to detect potential threats to horse welfare. A total of 596 horses were transported over an average distance of 295 ± 250 km. Average transport duration was 294 ± 153 min. The infrastructure did not always promote smooth loading, but the amount of horses that refused to enter the trailers was limited. In each loading space, a camera was mounted to observe horse behaviour during the journey. Ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH) were recorded every five minutes in each loading space. In 14 of the 23 transports, the maximum temperature rose above 25 °C and the average temperature was over 25 °C during six transports. The average temperature humidity index (THI) exceeded 72 during six transports. The average stocking density was 1.40 ± 0.33 m2 per horse, or 308 ± 53 kg/m2. The degree of aggression differed between the front and rear loading space. Stocking density, environmental parameters, trailer characteristics, and transport duration and distance did not influence aggressiveness.


Author(s):  
Dahlanuddin Dahlanuddin ◽  
C.J. Thwaites ◽  
J.V. Nolan

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of dietary supplementation with a source ofbypass protein (cottonseed meal, CSM) on the performance of growing crossbred wethers fed lowdigestibility roughage at high ambient temperature. Sixteen unshorn Border Leicester x Merino lambsaged 6 months and weighing 24.90.37 kg were allocated into a 2x2 factorial design (2 diets and 2ambient temperatures). Each group was fed either wheaten chaff + 2% urea ad libitum or wheaten chaff +1% urea ad libitum + 100g/d cottonseed meal. The results show that respiration rate and rectal temperaturewere significantly affected by ambient temperature (P<0.01), but not by diet. Total dry matter intake wassignificantly higher (P<0.01) at lower temperature than at high temperature, and significantly higher(P=0.04) on the supplemented diet than on the control diet. Water intake tended (P=0.06) to be higher onthe CSM+ diet than on the control diet, and was significantly at greater (P<0.01) high ambient temperaturethan at low temperature. The concentration of NH3-N in the rumen fluid (ranged from 310±17 to 413±20mg N/L) did not differ significantly either between diets or ambient temperatures. Blood plasma ureanitrogen concentration was significantly higher in sheep on the control diet than in those on thesupplemented diet, and at low than high temperature. The organic matter digestibility was not significantlyaffected by temperature and diet. The rate of live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) reduced by highambient temperature and the interaction between diet and temperature was significant (P<0.01). At lowtemperature, lambs on the supplemented diet grew significantly faster than those on the control diet, butnot at high temperature. In conclusion, high ambient temperature increases respiration rate, rectaltemperature and water intake but reduces dry matter intake and live weight gain. Supplementation with100 g/d of cottonseed meal could not outweigh the depressing effects of constant high ambienttemperature and humidity imposed in this experiment.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Yuwana Yuwana

Experiment on catfish drying employing ‘Teko Bersayap’ solar dryer was conducted. The result of the experiment indicated that the dryer was able to increase ambient temperature up to 44% and decrease ambient relative humidity up to 103%. Fish drying process followed equations : KAu = 74,94 e-0,03t for unsplitted fish and KAb = 79,25 e-0,09t for splitted fish, where KAu = moisture content of unsplitted fish (%), KAb = moisture content of splitted fish (%), t = drying time. Drying of unsplitted fish finished in 43.995 hours while drying of split fish completed in 15.29 hours. Splitting the fish increased 2,877 times drying rate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyuki Miyamoto ◽  
Keisuke Suzuki ◽  
Hirokazu Ohtaki ◽  
Motoyasu Nakamura ◽  
Hiroki Yamaga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Heatstroke is associated with exposure to high ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH), and an increased risk of organ damage or death. Previously proposed animal models of heatstroke disregard the impact of RH. Therefore, we aimed to establish and validate an animal model of heatstroke considering RH. To validate our model, we also examined the effect of hydration and investigated gene expression of cotransporter proteins in the intestinal membranes after heat exposure. Methods Mildly dehydrated adult male C57/BL6J mice were subjected to three AT conditions (37 °C, 41 °C, or 43 °C) at RH > 99% and monitored with WetBulb globe temperature (WBGT) for 1 h. The survival rate, body weight, core body temperature, blood parameters, and histologically confirmed tissue damage were evaluated to establish a mouse heatstroke model. Then, the mice received no treatment, water, or oral rehydration solution (ORS) before and after heat exposure; subsequent organ damage was compared using our model. Thereafter, we investigated cotransporter protein gene expressions in the intestinal membranes of mice that received no treatment, water, or ORS. Results The survival rates of mice exposed to ATs of 37 °C, 41 °C, and 43 °C were 100%, 83.3%, and 0%, respectively. From this result, we excluded AT43. Mice in the AT 41 °C group appeared to be more dehydrated than those in the AT 37 °C group. WBGT in the AT 41 °C group was > 44 °C; core body temperature in this group reached 41.3 ± 0.08 °C during heat exposure and decreased to 34.0 ± 0.18 °C, returning to baseline after 8 h which showed a biphasic thermal dysregulation response. The AT 41 °C group presented with greater hepatic, renal, and musculoskeletal damage than did the other groups. The impact of ORS on recovery was greater than that of water or no treatment. The administration of ORS with heat exposure increased cotransporter gene expression in the intestines and reduced heatstroke-related damage. Conclusions We developed a novel mouse heatstroke model that considered AT and RH. We found that ORS administration improved inadequate circulation and reduced tissue injury by increasing cotransporter gene expression in the intestines.


1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 661-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Freer ◽  
H. Dove ◽  
A. Axelsen ◽  
J. R. Donnelly

SummaryWeaned cross-bred lambs either grazed mature pasture or were confined to yards where they were offered material cut from ungrazed areas of the same pasture. A 1:2 mixture (on an air-dry basis) of sunflower meal and oat grain was offered for 81 days at 0, 200, 400 or 600 g/head or ad libitum. Individual estimates of intake of pasture and supplement by grazing sheep at four levels of supplementation were made on four adjacent plots.Weight gain increased from –30 to 178 g/day in the grazing animals as supplement intake increased up to 1030 g D.M./day and from –25 to 142 g/day in the yarded animals as supplement intake increased to 1076 g D.M./day. Growth of greasy wool increased from 4·5 to 11·7 g/day for grazing animals and from 4·5 to 10·2 g/day for those kept in yards.At levels of supplement intake below 400 g D.M./day, the intake of grazed pasture increased by up to 58% compared with unsupplemented animals. However, when the intake of supplement was increased to about 650 g D.M./day, pasture intake fell, with an estimated substitution rate of 1·1 g D.M. pasture per g D.M. supplement. At all levels of supplementation, the intake of hay by the yarded lambs was less than half the intake of herbage in the field. However, at levels of supplement intake between 300 and 500 g D.M./day, the substitution rate was similar to that measured in the grazing animals, suggesting that this is an attribute of roughage quality, rather than differential eating behaviour between grazing and yarded animals.The wastage, w (g D.M./day), of supplement was linearly related to the amount offered, s (g D.M./day), by the equationw = 0·263s − 38·8; R2 = 0·89Variability in supplement intake between individual grazing lambs was not affected by the level of supplementation but the coefficient of variation of supplement intake was considerably greater than that of the intake of unsupplemented pasture. Variability in the intake of pasture increased with the level of supplementation but variability in the total intake of food was similar at each level of supplement, indicating some degree of individual compensation in the intake of the two components.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 673-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. HICKLING ◽  
W. GUENTER ◽  
M. E. JACKSON

An experiment was conducted with 3840 male Ross × Arbor Acres broiler chicks to test the effects of increasing dietary methionine and lysine on performance and breast meat yield. Supplemental methionine and lysine were fed in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in both starter (0–3 wk) and finisher (3–6 wk) diets. Methionine was fed at levels of NRC and 112% NRC. Lysine was fed at levels of NRC and 106% NRC, 112% NRC and 118% NRC. Increasing dietary methionine increased weight gain (P < 0.01), feed efficiency (P < 0.01) from 3 to 6 wk, and breast meat yield (P < 0.01) at 6 wk. Increasing dietary lysine caused a curvilinear response in breast meat yield (P < 0.05). Key words: Broiler, lysine, methionine, breast meat


2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 83-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Vučemilo ◽  
K. Matković ◽  
B. Vinković ◽  
J. Macan ◽  
V.M. Varnai ◽  
...  

Poultry farming is considered to be a notable source of bioaerosols. They can be a risk factor from the aspect of some diseases and for the environment. A study was conducted to assess the effect of microclimate on the level of airborne dust and endotoxins in an intensive broiler fattening facility. The content of airborne dust, endotoxins, air temperature, relative humidity, airflow velocity, ammonia and carbon dioxide were determined. The study was conducted in a poultry house accommodating 22 000 broilers of Ross-308 breed. The measured temperature in the broiler house ranged from 22.02°C to 31.05°C, relative humidity from 49.55% to 65.45%, and airflow velocity from 0.07 m/s to 0.09 m/s. The air concentration of dust ranged from 2.0 mg/m<sup>3</sup> at the end of fattening period to 4.9 mg/m<sup>3</sup> in the mid-fattening period, and endotoxins from 6.21 EU/m<sup>3</sup> in the second study week to 99.40 EU/m<sup>3</sup> at the end of fattening period. The air concentration of ammonia ranged from 5.17 ppm at the beginning to 25.49 ppm at the end of fattening period. Air concentrations of dust and endotoxins recorded in this poultry house varied during the fattening period and depended on relative humidity and temperature as demonstrated by multiple regression at the level of <I>P</I> ≤ 0.05.


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