Effects of varying group sizes on performance, body defects, and productivity in broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the changes in the performance, welfare, and productivity level of broiler chickens reared at various group sizes (GS3000, GS4000, GS6000, and GS20 000) under intensive field conditions. The study was carried out according to a randomized block design with four different group sizes (GS) in three trials. Weekly body weights (BWs) were determined randomly in 150 individuals from each GS group. Feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) were determined for each GS treatment. Body defects (footpad dermatitis, FPD, hock burn, HB, and the breast burn, BB) were measured randomly in 150 chickens (75 male and 75 female) from each group using a visual scoring system with a 0-3 scale. At 1 and 2 weeks of age, GS3000 b

SUBMITTER: Sarıca M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9097258 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature