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Effect of Density and Flock Size on Growth Performance of Native Chicken

Mr.Md. I. Ali
PhD Fellow
Government Poultry Farm, Kishoregonj-2300, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A total of 270 native chickens of two months of age were reared up to their six months of age under three densities D₁_,D₂ and D₃ (0.186, 0.279 and 0.372 m²/bird) and three flock sizes F₁_,F₂ and F₃ (20, 30 and 40 birds/flock) to find out the effect of density (D) and flock size (F) on the growth performance of native chicken under intensive system of management. Body weight gain and feed intake were higher (5.62 & 5.39 and 50.17 & 50.42) and feed conversion ratio and mortality were the lower (9.48 & 10.02) in D₂unit and (12.01 & 13.05) in F₂ unit. On the other hand, body weight gain was the lowest (4.81) in D₃unit. Feed intake was the lowest (49.25) in D₁unit with the highest (11.70) FCR value. Body weight gain was found to be the lowest (4.81) in F₃ unit but its FCR and mortality rate were the highest (11.25 and 17.71). Feed intake was observed to be the lowest (49.17) in the F₁ unit. Considering the growth performance of native chickens under different densities and flock sizes, it could be concluded that flock size F₂ (30 birds/flock) performed better at the density level D₂ (0.279 m²/bird) than other densities and other flock sizes.

Keywords: Density, Flock size, Growth performance, Native chicken

Location: Local markets in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus, Mymensingh.

Start Date: 00-09-2002

End Date: 00-12-2002

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Chicken

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of density and flock size on the growth performance of native chicken.

Methodology:

The study was conducted between September and December, 2002 in order to compare the effect of density and flock size on growth rate of native chicken. A feeding trial was, therefore, conducted for a period of 4 months with 270 indigenous chicken of two months age collected from local markets in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus, Mymensingh. The initial body weight of the birds was recorded and then housed according to the treatment. They were divided into 9 treatment groups (3 densities × 3 flock sizes). The birds were arranged in a 3 (flock sizes) × 3 (densities) factorial experiment and allocated in 9 floor pens. The three densities were 0.186 (D₁), 0.279 (D₂) and 0.372 (D₃) m² /birds and three flock sizes were 20 (F₁), 30 (F₂) and 40 (F₃) birds per flock. The house was cleaned, washed and then disinfected with diluted iosan solution (3ml/liter water) before the start of the experiment. After drying, the experimental shed was divided into 9 pens of required size having bamboo materials and wire net. Rice husk, saw dust and dry sand were used in as the 1:1:1 ratios as the litter materials. A commercial grower ration containing 20% CP and 3100 Kcal ME/kg DM was supplied to the experimental birds during the whole experimental period. The ration which was used for the experiment was adopted from Aftab Bahumukhi Farms Limited. The feed was supplied twice daily at 7 a.m and 5 p.m. Fresh clean and cool water was provided ad libitum. Feeders and waterier were cleaned daily. No artificial lighting was used in the experimental house. The experimental chicks were provided identical care and management. Strict hygienic measures were undertaken during the experimental period. Birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease. During the whole experimental period data of body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion and mortality of the birds were collected and recorded carefully. Body weight gain Initial body weights of the individual birds were measured and recorded. Periodic growths for four periods representing four months of growth of the experimental birds were recorded. Growth period one (P₁) included growth between 2nd month to 3rd month, period two (P₂) from 3rd to 4th month, period three (P₃) 4th to 5th month and period four (P₄) from 5th to 6th month of age of the birds. Feed intake and feed conversion Feed consumption of different treatment groups from two months of age to the end of the experimental period were recorded. Feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio are used alternatively. Mortality Mortality was recorded for each flock size of the three densities monthly during the whole experimental period. All data were set for a 3 (flock sizes) × 3 (densities) factorial experiment. The recorded data were compiled and tabulated for statistical analysis. Analysis of variance was done with the help of the computer program MSTAT. Significant differences were isolated and compared by calculating Least Significant Differences.

Source of Information: J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(1): 55–59, 2012 ISSN 1810-3030

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

As the basis of present findings, it was concluded that the body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were the highest in the density of 0.279 m²/bird and the flock size of 30 birds than any other densities and flock sizes. Mortality was the lowest in the density of 0.279 m²/bird and the flock size of 30 birds. The optimum stocking density and flock size for native birds under intensive system of management may be 0.279 m² /bird and 30 birds/flock respectively.

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