title: The effect of stocking density on growth performance and average cost in partridge rearing (Alectoris graeca).
abstract: In this study, stocking density and economic evaluation of partridge rearing was investigated. Experimental design was constructed as 576.9 cm(2)/chick (group I), 384.6 cm(2)/chick (group II), 288.5 cm(2)/chick (group III), and 230.8 cm(2)/chick (group IV). Live weights of the first, second, third, and fourth groups at 12 wk of age were determined as 376.46, 367.95, 371.07, and 358.80 g, respectively. Additive feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of the groups were determined as 1,781.74 g and 4.93, 1,805.13 g and 5.13, 1,830.51 g and 5.15, and 1,720.09 g and 5.02, respectively. Total mortality rates of the groups at the end of the feeding time were determined as 3.5, 3.75, 6.75, and 13.00%, respectively (P < 0.05). As a result, it was concluded that rearing in 288.5 cm(2)/chick was suitable according to live weights of partridges, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates. Also, it was concluded that decreasing costs and increasing profitability in partridge rearing could be achieved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Veterinary Faculty, University of Selçuk, 42031 Konya, Turkey. agunlu@selcuk.edu.tr
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Günlü
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kirikçi
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Cetin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garip
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D046094:Galliformes / Q000254:growth & development*; D006799:Housing, Animal