Effect of feed form and stock density on performance assessed and some behavioral ‎parameters assessed by image processing, in broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of feed form and stocking density on performance and some behavioral parameters of 208 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308), for 42 days.  Treatments were 2 feed forms (pellet versus mash) and 2 levels of density (10 and 16 birds/m2) that was performed in completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial arrangement and 4 replicates. Performance parameters were recorded weekly and carcass characteristics measured on day 42 of age. For evaluating behavioral parameters, 8 cameras were used. The results showed that feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the birds fed mash diets at whole period of experiment (P<0.05). Abdominal fat was increased in birds that consumed mash diet in high stocking density (P<0.05). In the morning of the third week, the activity index of birds that consumed mash diet in high stocking density increased significantly (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that feed form could not affect performance and behavioral parameters of broilers in high stocking density, although, pelleting diets improved performance parameters and high stock density increased average around feeder activity of broiler chickens.