JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org
Effect of strain and stocking density on thermo-physiological traits of broiler chickens raised in Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2017.065 | Article Number: 0BF2591B2 | Vol.2 (5) - October 2017
Received Date: 20 August 2017 | Accepted Date: 25 September 2017 | Published Date: 30 October 2017
Authors: Popoola M. A.* , Odukoya S. O. , Olaniyi T. A. , Tiamiyu A. K. and Adekunle O. F.
Keywords: Humidity, physiology, strain, temperature, traits.
The study was conducted to assess the effect of strain and stocking density on thermo-physiological response of broiler chickens. A total number of two hundred and sixteen (216) day old broiler chicks consisting of three different strains were used for the experiment. These strains were: Marshall, Ross and Abor-acre. The birds were randomly allotted to three different stocking densities which were 10, 12 and 14 birds/m2 respectively. Each treatment group was replicated twice in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Data were collected on thermo-physiological traits of the chickens twice in a week to avoid undue stress on the birds. Data were also collected on ambient temperature and relative humidity of the experimental area. Traits measured were; rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and there was significant interaction effect of strain and stocking density on physiological traits of the chicken. Thus, it is recommended that Marshall broiler chicken can be raised on stocking density of 14 birds/m².
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