Evaluation of the effects of feed physical form and bird density per unit area on performance, blood indices, and intestinal morphology of Arian broiler chickens
Behbood Ghaffari
1
(
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran
)
Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini
2
(
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran
)
Seyed Homayoun Farhangfar
3
(
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran
)
Ahmad Hassanabadi
4
(
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi Uiversity of Mashhad, , Mashhad, Iran
)
Keywords: Arian broilers, feed physical form, stocking density, carcass traits, Blood indices, intestinal morphology,
Abstract :
This study investigated the interactive effects of feed form (pellet vs. meal) and stocking density on performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, liver enzymes, and intestinal morphology in Aryan broiler chickens. Results showed that pellet feed significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Carcass analysis revealed that breast percentage was significantly higher in pellet-fed groups (p < 0.05). Relative bursa of Fabricius weight increased with higher density, likely linked to immune system stimulation. Blood parameters indicated higher serum glucose in meal-fed birds (p < 0.05), while HDL was strongly influenced by density (p < 0.05). GPT enzyme activity increased with higher density (p < 0.05), though GOT showed no significant difference. Intestinal morphology assessment demonstrated that pellet feed increased villus length and villus-to-crypt ratio (p < 0.05), while high density negatively impacted some tissue indices. Pellet feed consistently improved FCR, weight gain, and intestinal characteristics, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption. Moderate density (15 birds/m²) yielded better growth performance, while higher density (18 birds/m²) positively affected traits like breast percentage and bursa weight but increased GPT, suggesting metabolic stress. Overall, pellet feed mitigated some negative effects of high density.
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