Effects of floor space on the productivity of broilers in the wet humid tropics of South Western Nigeria

Six different floor spaces, each was allotted for 4 birds in cells: F(1)A (2,000cm(2)), F(2)A (2,200cm(2)), F(3)A (2,400cm(2)), F(4)A (2,600cm(2)), F(5)A (2,800cm(2)), F(6)A (3,000cm(2)). Birds housed in each of cells of floor areas: S(1)A (2,400cm(2)) = 4, S(2)A (4,200cm(2)) = 6, S(3)A (5,600cm(2)) = 8, S(4)A (7,000cm(2)) = 10. Each was replicated thrice. Results revealed that effects of pen floor areas were significant on bird's weight of 1482+/-5.07 g. There were discrepancies in birds' final weights (range: 1218+/-2.03 to 1482+/-5.07 g), however, 2800cm(2) pen showed nearly uniform birds' weights. Average birds' feed intakes (range: 5541g+/-11.30 to 5588g+/-14.06 g) were high in 2,800cm(2) and 3,000cm(2) with fluctuations recorded in feed conversion ratio in all pens, except cell 2,800cm(2). Stocking density had significant effect on the bird's meat quality; 2,800cm(2) pen of four birds with 700cm(2) per bird was hereby recommended for high broiler's performance.