Broiler Welfare and Meat Production Efficiency in Tunnel Ventilated Environmental Control vis-a- vis Conventional Open Sided Shed Under Different Stocking Densities

Abstract

Present study was conducted to compare welfare and associated meat production performance and quality  of broiler  in open sided conventional broiler house (OSCBH) with floor space allowance of 1.0/ft² per chick and in tunnel ventilated environment control broiler house (ECBH) with reducing floor space of 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7and 0.6 ft² per chick. Average body lesions score, indicating physical injury and welfare were well within the acceptable limits of European welfare quality protocol. Stress related anti-oxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) concentrations were higher in OSCBH (T₀) than ECBH (T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅). However, percent eviscerated carcass and prime cuts did not decreased significantly (p≤ 0.05) in ECBH at higher stocking densities but meat yield per unit floor area was around 90% higher even at 40% reduction of floor allowance.