Carcass traits of broilers as affected by different stocking density and sex

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass traits of male and female broiler chickens reared at three different densities. Evaluations were done using 216 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks kept in a battery system. Birds were randomly divided into three treatments: high stocking density (HSD) = 22, medium stocking density (MSD) = 18 and low stocking density (LSD) = 14 birds/m(2), with four replications for both sexes. The experiment lasted for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, five broilers per replicate were slaughtered to measure the following carcass characteristics: dressing weight, neck and front back, wings, whole breast, whole legs, heart, gizzard and liver. Dressing percentage was calculated as the ratio of hot carcass to live body weight. The effect of stocking density and sex on live weight was significant (p < 0.05). Heavier carcasses at slaughter were recorded for the MSD treatment (2149.70 g) and for the male broilers (2142.55 g) compared to the female ones (2022.82 g). The interaction of stocking density and sex did not significantly affect the live weight (p > 0.05). Breast weight was higher for the low density treatment (p < 0.05). The breast and whole legs weights of male broilers were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to those of the female broilers. Whole leg weights were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the MSD treatment. No significant difference (p > 0.05) of stocking density and sex interaction was found in breast and whole legs weights. The carcass weights of MSD and LSD broilers were significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to the HSD broilers. From the results obtained from this experiment, it can be concluded that 14 to 18 birds per square meter is acceptable and may ensure profitable broiler production up to six weeks of age.