Broiler welfare in relation to stocking density

The objective was to evaluate the impact of reducing box density on female broiler welfare (BEA). At 12 days of age 800 females Cobb-500® were weighed and distributed into randomized boxes of 4m²; being eight boxes with 10 birds (17,0kg)/m² (DL10) and eight with 15 birds (25,5kg)/m² (DL15). Environmental conditions were evaluated using the temperature and humidity index (ITU). Hematologic and biochemical tests were performed. Production data was registered and locomotion problems were evaluated. It was observed that for 43% of the time the ITU was above the recommendations. Statistical differences were observed in relation to basophils (6,3±2,3 and 4,5±1,8%), triglycerides (158,9±32,9 e 186,3±43,9mg/dl), globulins ( 1,8±0,5 and 1,5±0,4%), and lighter final weight in DL 15 (1,65±0,28kg in DL10 1,69±0,13 to DL 15.) No difference in locomotion problems was observed. Results of lighter final weight, higher value of triglycerides, and lower value of globulins suggest worse welfare in DL 15. ITU above recommendation and high values of H:L suggest low welfare degree in both densities.

pullet; production indices; hematology; heterophil