Impact of different beddings on the growth performance, haematological indices and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Abstract

The growing demand for wood shavings has created a reason for alternative bedding materials in the poultry industry. As a result, a 56-day study was conducted to investigate the effect of different beddings on growth performance, haematological indices and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. 180 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to one of four different bedding materials: WS: wood shaving, SP: shredded paper, RWM: raised wire mesh, and CCC: crushed corn cobs. In a completely randomized design, the birds were replicated three times with 15 birds each. Throughout the study, birds were given free access to feed and water. Data on growth performance and haematological indices were collected. After 56d, two birds from each replicate were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The bedding materials used had a significant (P<0.05) influence on the broiler chicken's FCR, average daily weight gain (ADWG), and feed intake (ADFI). Birds raised on WS had the highest ADWG (37.36 g/day), while birds raised on SP and CCC had the lowest values but similar values of 36.42 and 35.20 g/day respectively. The ADFI values of broiler chickens decreased (P<0.05) across the treatment groups. Birds reared on CCC had the best FCR (2.50) values. Except for the packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin values, there was no significant (P > 0.05) effects of bedding materials on broiler chicken’s haematological indices. PCV values of birds raised on RWM (28.01%) and CCC (28.00%) were similar but higher (P< 0.05) than those raised on SP (26.70%) and WS (24.00%) respectively. Litter materials had a significant impact on broiler chicken’s carcass characteristics. Birds raised on RWM had the highest dressing percentage (71.78 %), while birds raised on CCC had the lowest (69.00%) values. The birds raised on CCC had significantly higher relative weights of shank, liver, and heart than other treatment groups. It was concluded that CCC could replace WS as a bedding material for broiler chickens in hot humid climates.