Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different levels of NaHCO3 and different stocking densities on performance and meat quality of broiler chicken. A total of 360, 19-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated in to 6 experimental units in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of two different stocking densities as D1 (Standard density: 1.2 ft2 bird"') and D2 (High density: 0.85 ft2 bird-1 and three levels of NaHCO3 (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%). Each treatment consisted with 5 replicates. Data were subjected to factorial analysis using the General Linear Models procedure of two-way ANOVA of statistical analysis system. The highest (P < 0.05) daily weight gain of broilers was recorded from D1 (59 g bird-1 day-1), 0.3% NaHCO3 (69 g bird-1 day-1). The highest (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake was recorded from D2 (112 g bird-1 day-1), 0.5% NaHCO3 (116 g bird-1 day-1). Favourable (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio was obtained from D2 (2.31) and 0% NaHCO3 (3.06). The highest (P < 0.05) pH value was recorded from D1 (5.53) and 0.3% NaHCO3 (5.51) and lowest (P > 0.05) from D2 (5.35), 0% NaHCO3 (5.30). Highest (P < 0.05) redness of breast meat was recorded from D1 (12.49), 0.3% NaHCO3 (12.37). The highest (P < 0.05) relative weight of intestine was recorded from 0% NaHCO3 (4.67). Highest (P < 0.05) liver weight was recorded from 0.3% NaHCO3 (2.60). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.3% NaHCO3 has better effects on growth performance of broilers regardless of the stocking density.
