How stocking density affects broiler chicken production performance: a comprehensive review

To fulfill the substantial demand for broiler chickens from both local consumers and importers, it is imperative to determine the optimal stocking density to maximize production efficiency. A common concern among broiler farmers is the lack of studies evaluating the most suitable stocking densities for commercial practice to enhance broiler production performance. This review examines the impacts of different stocking densities on the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The review followed the PRISMA Statement to ensure a comprehensive approach. Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched for literature published between 2012 and 2021 to capture a comprehensive and up-to-date decade of research, ensuring a robust dataset that reflects recent advancements, methodologies, and findings in the field. Generally, broilers raised in a closed-house system at a high stocking density (15 birds/m²) exhibited a better feed conversion ratio compared to those at a lower stocking density (10 birds/m²). However, broilers raised at lower stocking densities generally yielded heavier carcasses (including carcass weight, hot carcass weight, wing, thigh, ribcage, breast muscle, liver, and small intestine) compared to those at higher stocking densities. Nevertheless, stocking density did not have a significant impact on meat quality. In conclusion, this review suggests that a stocking density of 15 birds/m² is optimal for broilers in a closed-house system, considering both production efficiency and carcass yield.

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