Influence of stocking density on the performance, carcass characteristics, hemato-biochemical indices of Vanaraja chickens

A total 90 Vanaraja experimental birds were divided into three respective groups based on floor density viz., G1 (16 birds/m2), G2 (12 birds/m2) and G3 (8 birds/m2). No significant difference in average live weight and carcass weight was observed between groups. Average feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and dressing percentage in G2 and G3 was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher as compared to G1. There were no significant effect (P greater than 0.05) of stocking density in the carcass characteristics except the heart weight. There were non significant differences among groups for total protein, albumin, globulin and A:G ratio. Blood glucose was significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher in group G1 as compared to G2 and G3. Blood cholesterol level increased with increase in stocking density but not significantly. Blood parameters eosinophil, monocyte, basophil counts and H:L ratio were not affected by the stocking density. Hb concentration increased non-significantly with increased stocking density. Vanaraja birds from 8 birds/m2 to 12 birds/m2 give the better growth performance, FCR and dressing percentage without change in blood biochemical and hematological indices.