EFFECTS OF STOCKING RATE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TWO HYBRIDS OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS IN THE HUMID TROPICS

Abstract

The effects of four stocking rates (0.070, 0.093, 0.116 and 0.140m²/ bird) on the performance of two hybrids of commercial broilers were investigated. There were significant hybrid effects on initial and final body weights (P< 0.01) and on feed effici­ency (P <0.05) but not on average daily gain and feed consumption and mortality. Stocking effects which were not signi­ficant for initial body weight, feed efficiency and mortality were highly significant for final body weight, average daily gain and feed consumption, (P < 0.01). There were significant interactions bet­ween hybrid and stocking rate for average daily gain (P <0.01) and mortality (P < 0.05). It is suggested that in the humid tropics, the stocking rates of 0.116 and 0.140m²/ bird would be appropriate for rearing broilers. The results of the study also show­ed that different hybrids do vary on space requirements in respect • of certain produc­tion traits.