title: Responses of male broiler chickens from two genetic groups to different stocking densities in a semi-arid subtropical environment.
abstract: The effects of stocking densities of 30, 35, 40 and 45 kg body weight (BW)/m(2) on the growth performance of Ross 308 and Hubbard broiler chickens were studied in a 49-day production period. Ross 308 was superior to Hubbard in weight gain and market weight and consumed more feed (p<0.05) but the strains did not differ significantly in feed efficiency, mortality rate and abdominal fatness. Overall, birds raised at stocking densities of 30, 35 and 40 kg BW/m(2) performed equally well in weight gain, feed consumption and 49-day live weight and outperformed those raised at 45 kg BW/m(2) (p<0.05). It is suggested that for profitable broiler production under tropical conditions Ross 308 and stocking density of 40 kg BW/m(2) be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa. kbenyi19711@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kow
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benyi
authors.forename: Owoahene
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Acheampong-Boateng
authors.forename: Kgabo T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Mahlako
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D003889:Desert Climate; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004435:Eating; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D011156:Population Density; D013019:South Africa; D014329:Tropical Climate; D015430:Weight Gain