Effect of different levels of Stocking Density and Dietary Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on Perforinance,MeatQuality and Organ Weights of Broiler Chicken

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.