Effect of Stocking Density on Performance and Welfare of Broilers in Oyo State

This study examines the effect of different stocking densities on the growth performance, welfare indicators, and economic returns of broiler chickens under tropical conditions in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Stocking density is a critical management variable in commercial broiler production that affects bird performance, welfare, and profitability. In Nigerian broiler farms, financial pressure often leads to overstocking that compromises welfare and production efficiency. This study uses a completely randomised design testing four stocking densities: 8, 12, 16, and 20 birds per square metre in uniformly constructed broiler houses at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Ibadan experimental farm. One hundred and eighty Ross 308 chicks are distributed across 12 pens of 15 birds each, with three pens per density treatment. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, litter moisture content, footpad dermatitis score, gait score, and mortality are measured weekly over 42 days. Findings reveal that birds at 8 and 12 per square metre show significantly superior body weight gain, lower feed conversion ratios, and lower footpad dermatitis scores compared to 16 and 20 per square metre densities. Litter moisture and ammonia levels increase significantly with stocking density, negatively affecting respiratory health at 20 per square metre. Gross income per square metre is maximised at 12 birds per square metre. The study concludes that 12 birds per square metre represents the optimal balance between welfare, performance, and economic return for broiler production in the Southwest Nigerian climate. It recommends this density as the standard industry guideline.

Keywords: stocking density, broiler performance, animal welfare, Oyo State, commercial poultry.