Effect of strain and stocking density on thermo-physiological traits of broiler chickens raised in Nigeria

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.