Case Study: Cumulative Feed Consumption and Body Weight Gain of Broiler Chicken on the Upper and Lower Floors

Abstract

Broiler chickens are meat-producing poultry characterized by low feed conversion rates. One of the factors influencing broiler farming is housing management. Farmers commonly use closed house systems with a multi-level design (upper and lower floors), which are assumed to affect cumulative feed intake and body weight gain. This study aimed to determine the differences in cumulative feed intake and body weight gain of broiler chickens reared on the upper and lower floors of a closed house system. Methods. The research used an observational method with a 28-day rearing period. A sample of 10% of the population was taken, representing 1,900 Cobb-strain broiler chickens per floor, selected at random. Observed variables included cumulative feed consumption and body weight gain. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software with a t-test statistical approach. Results. The results showed that cumulative feed intake and body weight gain of broiler chickens on the upper and lower floors were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The multi-level closed house system did not affect feed consumption and weight gain in broiler chickens, indicating that multi-level cages can be used as a solution to limited space without affecting chicken performance.