Evaluation of floor systems for production of broiler chickens /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1990.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=746213431&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Abstract: | Studies were conducted to evaluate various flooring materials for use in cage production of commercial broilers. In Experiments 1 and 2, flooring materials evaluated consisted of three types of mesh, three types of perforated floor, and three types of doweling. A solid wood floor with wood shaving litter served as a control. Each cage contained 20 commercial broiler males at a density of 698 cm²/bird. In Experiment 2, two rearing methods (0-2 weeks on litter floor followed by 3-8 weeks in cages vs 1-8 weeks in cages) were studied. In Experiments 3 and 4, three cage floor systems (wire mesh, padded doweling and litter floors) were evaluated for the production of broiler chickens under high density. In Experiment l, wire mesh-reared birds had a significant reduction in 6 week body weight when compared to controls. This was also true of 8 week weights. The mesh floors as a group experienced significantly greater incidence of breast blister than did the controls, while birds on the padded dowel system experienced significantly less. In Experiment 2, cage floor type and method of rearing during the first two weeks had no significant effect on 4, 6 or 8 week weight, feather soilage, broken wings and legs, or mortality, or leaf fat. Birds reared continuously in cages had significantly less incidence of breast blisters than did birds transferred to cages at two weeks of age. In Experiments 3 and 4, body weight was considerably reduced. However, birds on padded doweling still maintain a significantly heavier body weight when compared with birds on litter floor and wire mesh. The incidence of breast blisters and mortality was significantly elevated by both wire mesh and litter floors. In both experiments, feed conversion was superior for birds raised on padded doweling. No correlation was evident between percent bone ash and bone breaking strength. Eating activity on an hourly basis remained fairly constant until 4:00 p.m. at which time there was a significant decrease. Conversely, drinking activity showed a significant increase during the afternoon hours when compared with morning activity. Age had no significant effect on drinking activity. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Poultry science." |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 113 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |