Stocking density of broilers can vary significantly depending on bird size, diet, breed, feed area, waterer area, pen dimensions, bird welfare and economic return. Today, modern broiler houses allow higher densities as long as the environment is properly maintained. The use of organic acids can further reduce inflammatory responses and improve gut health and growth performance.
High stocking density (HSD) in broiler production is often used in intensive or commercial poultry farming to maximize production efficiency and optimize the use of resources such as space, feed and labor. While HSD can lead to increased production, it can also contribute to many significant challenges, such as respiratory problems, increased stress and aggression, impaired gut health and leg disorders, all of which impact bird health and welfare.
To manage the challenges associated with HSD in broiler production, producers need to find a balance between maximizing production and ensuring the health and welfare of the animals by using appropriate management practices, including adequate ventilation, disease control and appropriate nutrition. Adding feed additives to the diet can be a strategy to achieve the goal of maximizing the weight of chickens produced per square meter while preventing production losses due to overcrowding.
Organic acids have been found to ameliorate the negative effects of high stocking density stress in broilers through restoration of the gut microbiota, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of the NF-kB signaling pathway, and increase in short-chain fatty acid production. Researchers used a clever blend of short- and medium-chain fatty acids to develop Selko’s Selacid Green Growth. Its inclusion in broiler feed provides a means to more effectively manage stress, maintain gut health and achieve growth performance.
Cost of HSD stress
Poultry raised in HSD production systems are exposed to increased stress, which can negatively affect production efficiency and growth. Stressed birds may experience increased inflammation and poor gut health; This can lead to leaky intestines or damage to tight junctions, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
HSD can negatively affect the gut microbiota balance and lead to dysbiosis, which can lead to increased antibiotic use. Dysbiosis in broilers is estimated to inhibit feed conversion (FCR) by an average of around 0.05, regardless of coccidiosis. Given the challenges presented by HSD systems, it is important to find alternative solutions to maintain bird health and growth in the face of production stress and without dependence on antibiotics prophylactically.
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