Impact of Stocking Density on Carcass Composition and Quality in Various Broiler Chicken Strains Fed Commercial Diets
Creators: name: Adesola T. E.
name: Fajemilehin S.O.K.
name: Fagbuaro S.S.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Arbor Acre, Carcass traits, Cobb-500, Commercial diet, Marshall, Stocking density.

description: Abstract: The significance of stocking density emerged with the development of industrial animal agriculture, where economical use of floor space became a common strategy to increase meat production per unit area. Skillful adjustment of stocking density is crucial, as excessively high density can reduce carcass quality, while too low density can result in economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the carcass traits of three strains of broiler chickens reared at two stocking densities and fed commercial diets. A total of 432 one-day unsexed chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial arrangement, with three strains (Arbor Acre, Cobb-500, and Marshall) and two densities (16 and 18 birds/m2), each with three replicates. The experimental period lasted 56 days, during which carcass traits, proximate analysis of major muscle parts, and the correlation of live weight to carcass traits were evaluated. The results indicated a significant main effect (p<0.05) of strain on live weight (LW), with Marshall weighing more than Arbor Acre, and Arbor Acre weighing more than Cobb-500. Live body weight decreased with increasing density. Furthermore, there was an interaction between strain and density, with a higher weight associated with Arbor Acre x 16 birds per m2, Cobb-500 x 18 birds per m2, and Marshall x 16 birds per m2 compared to the other densities. In terms of bled, plucked, and eviscerated weights, as well as carcass cut parts and giblets as percentages of LW, no significant effects (p>0.05) of strain, density, or strain * density interaction were observed in any of the traits. The results showed strain-dependent differences in live weight (LW), with Marshall being the heaviest, followed by Arbor Acre and Cobb-500. Stocking density affected LW, favoring 16 birds per m2. The interaction between strain and density further influenced LW, showing varied effects across strains and densities. Carcass cut parts and non-carcass parts as percentages of LW were not significantly affected by strain, density, or their interaction. However, proximate composition parameters such as moisture content (MC), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and ash were significantly influenced by strain, density, and their interaction. Arbor Acre exhibited the highest MC and carbohydrate (CHO) contents, while Cobb-500 had superior CP and ash levels. Marshall generally showed intermediate values across parameters. Correlation analyses revealed complex relationships between live weight, carcass traits, and offal components, varying with strain and stocking density. Notably, certain correlations were consistent across strains and densities, suggesting underlying physiological associations. In conclusion, this study underscores the nuanced effects of strain and stocking density on carcass traits and nutritional composition in broiler chickens. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing production practices and ensuring desirable meat quality in commercial broiler operation.