Responses of male broiler chickens from two genetic groups to different stocking densities in a semi-arid subtropical environment.

The effects of stocking densities of 30, 35, 40 and 45 kg body weight (BW)/m(2) on the growth performance of Ross 308 and Hubbard broiler chickens were studied in a 49-day production period. Ross 308 was superior to Hubbard in weight gain and market weight and consumed more feed (p<0.05) but the strains did not differ significantly in feed efficiency, mortality rate and abdominal fatness. Overall, birds raised at stocking densities of 30, 35 and 40 kg BW/m(2) performed equally well in weight gain, feed consumption and 49-day live weight and outperformed those raised at 45 kg BW/m(2) (p<0.05). It is suggested that for profitable broiler production under tropical conditions Ross 308 and stocking density of 40 kg BW/m(2) be considered.