Changes in body measurements of sexed broilers reared in different housing zones

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of three different house zones on various body measurements in sexed broiler. A total of 720 Hubbard sexed broilers (360 of each sex) were reared in three different zones (evaporative cooling pad, central and exhaust fans) of environmentally controlled broiler house during summer season. Each treatment was replicated 6 times. All birds in this experiment were maintained on 4 phase feeding regimes i.e. 0-10, 11-20, 21-34, 35-42 days, with CP levels of 21, 20, 18 and 17%, respectively. Weekly data regarding keel length, shank length, head diameter, bird length, body mass index, drum stick length, wing span, breast width and shank diameter of either sex were recorded. The data thus collected were analyzed using Completely Randomized design and comparison of means was made using DMR test. Significantly higher (P<0.05) bird length and body mass index was observed in those birds which were reared in evaporative cooling pad zone while non-significant (P>0.05) effect of different house zone was recorded on bird length, body weight, body mass index, beak length, head diameter, breast width, keel length, drumstick length, drumstick diameter, shank length, shank diameter and wing span. Sexes also showed non-significant effect on these parameters.

Keywords: broiler, housing zones, body measurements, sexes