The effects of perch cooling on performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics and behaviour of broilers reared at high temperatures with different litter thicknesses

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cooled perch and litter thickness on performance, meat quality, carcass, and behaviour traits on broilers reared at high environmental temperatures. A total of 459 1 day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups based on the perch treatment (no perch, non-cooled perches, cooled perches) and litter thicknesses (1, 7 and 14 cm) with three replicates. Body weight was higher in broilers reared at cooled perch group at 6 wks (P<0.05). Body weight of chickens reared under the 1 cm thickness was found higher than the 7 and 14 cm of litter thickness chickens at 6 wks. Live and carcass weights, total breast and drum weights were higher in broilers reared at 1 cm litter thickness. The perch-contact incidence of chickens reared under the cooled perch was found higher than the non-cooled chickens for all hours at 6 wks. In conclusion, it is indicated that perch cooling and 1 cm of litter thickness have a beneficial effect on broiler performance exposed to high temperatures.