RESPONSE OF BROILERS TO VARIATIONS IN WATERER, FEEDER, AND FLOOR SPACE UNDER CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT PHOTOPERIODS

Abstract

The effects on broiler performance of different floor, waterer, and feeder spaces and light treatments were estimated. Increased bird density resulted in a reduction in body weight, poorer feed conversion, reduced carcass quality and a reduction in monetary returns per bird started. Feeder space effects were inconsistent. Waterer spaces examined had little effect on bird performance. Light treatments studied revealed that cycles of 1 h of light with 3 h of darkness resulted in slightly superior feed conversion compared with cycles of 3 h of light and 1 h of darkness.