Effects of stocking density and daily feed withdrawal periods on the performance of broiler chickens in a semi-arid environment.

Unsexed Ross 308 broilers were raised under three stocking densities (30, 35, and 40 kg BW/m2) and three daily feed withdrawal periods (0, 8, and 12 h daily) during a 42-day production period. The effects of stocking density and feed withdrawal on growth performance and carcass characteristics were investigated. The feed intake of broilers raised at the stocking density of 30 kg BW/m2 was higher than those of broilers reared at 35 and 40 kg BW/m2, but broilers raised under the different stocking densities did not differ significantly in 42-day body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate. Forty-two-day body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake were reduced as the duration of feed withdrawal increased, but feeding program affected neither feed conversion ratio nor mortality rate. There was a stocking density effect on thigh percentage while feeding program influenced breast, back, wing, neck, liver, gizzard, and heart percentages. There were stocking density × feed withdrawal interaction effects on feed intake during the starter and grower periods. It is suggested that for profitable broiler production in the tropics stocking density of 40 kg BW/m2 and daily feed withdrawal for 8 h from 7 to 35 days of age be considered.