Effects of floor space on the productivity of broilers in the wet humid tropics of South Western Nigeria

Six different floor spaces, each was allotted for 4 birds in cells: F1A (2,000cm2), F2A (2,200cm2), F3A (2,400cm2), F4A (2,600cm2), F5A (2,800cm2), F6A (3,000cm2). Birds housed in each of cells of floor areas: S1A (2,400cm2) = 4, S2A (4,200cm2) = 6, S3A (5,600cm2) = 8, S4A (7,000cm2) = 10. Each was replicated thrice. Results revealed that effects of pen floor areas were significant on bird's weight of 1482±5.07 g. There were discrepancies in birds' final weights (range: 1218±2.03 to 1482±5.07 g), however, 2800cm2 pen showed nearly uniform birds' weights. Average birds' feed intakes (range: 5541g±11.30 to 5588g±14.06 g) were high in 2,800cm2 and 3,000cm2 with fluctuations recorded in feed conversion ratio in all pens, except cell 2,800cm. Stocking density had significant effect on the bird's meat quality; 2,800cm2 pen of four birds with 700cm2 per bird was hereby recommended for high broiler's performance.