The experiment was performed to study the effect of floor space and litter materials on the growth rate, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage and weight of giblets etc. of broiler chicks. One hundred and twenty, day od broiler chicks were used in this study. The experimental broilers were randomly divided into two groups Viz A and B, with each group containing 60 chicks. Both the groups were further divided into 3 sub groups viz AI, AII, AIII and BI, BII, BIII. Every sub group was randomly allotted 20 chicks each.
The experimental chicks were provided floor space of 1.0 and 0.5 sq.foot per bird in groups A and B respectively. Saw dust, rice hulls and cut wheat straw were used as litter material for sub groups AI-BI, AII-BII and AIII-BIII respectively. The chicks were provided same feed and water ad-libitum. All other managemental conditions were same except the floor space and litter materials.
During the experimental period the data for weight gain feed in take and feed conversion ratio was recorded on weekly basis. Then the data was subjected to analysis of variance using randomized complete black design. All the parameters showed non significant difference among the treatments.
However visual observations of the litter in different groups for fitness and maintenance showed, that rice hulls were superior litter as compared to saw dust and cut wheat straw due to less cake formation.
As the results of present study indicates that floor spaces of 0.5 sq.ft/bird and 1 sq.ft/bird do not have any significant effect on weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage, so it is concluded that broilers can be reared at the floor space of 0.5 sq.ft/bird without any harmfull effect, in moderate climate. In hot climate sufficient ventilation should be provided to the birds when stock density is increased.
Similarly different litter materials i.e. saw dust, rice hulls and cut wheat straw also showed non significant difference for weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage etc. Although cut wheat straw did not prove to be a good litter material for use in broiler houses. However rice hulls and saw dust are approved as good litters for rearing the broilers.