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

WASIU AGUNBIADE LAMIDI

doi:10.56093/ijans.v85i6.49337

Authors

WASIU AGUNBIADE LAMIDI Lecturer (x), College of Agriculture, Ejigbo Campus, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v85i6.49337

Keywords:

Feed conversion ratio, Floor geometry, Stocking density

Abstract

Six different floor spaces, each was allotted for 4 birds in cells: F₁A (2,000cm²), F₂A (2,200cm²), F₃A (2,400cm²), F₄A (2,600cm²), F₅A (2,800cm²), F₆A (3,000cm²). Birds housed in each of cells of floor areas: S₁A (2,400cm²) = 4, S₂A (4,200cm²) = 6, S₃A (5,600cm²) = 8, S₄A (7,000cm²) = 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, 2800cm² pen showed nearly uniform birds' weights. Average birds' feed intakes (range: 5541g±11.30 to 5588g±14.06 g) were high in 2,800cm² and 3,000cm² with fluctuations recorded in feed conversion ratio in all pens, except cell 2,800cm. Stocking density had significant effect on the bird's meat quality; 2,800cm² pen of four birds with 700cm² per bird was hereby recommended for high broiler's performance.

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