Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
15.Ulusal Zootekni Öğrenci Kongresi, Adana, Türkiye, 9 - 11 Mayıs 2022, cilt.1, ss.79
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density, ascorbic acid (AA),
and their interaction on the tonic immobility panting and feather loss in laying hens reared
under heat stress. In the study, a total of 160 - 58 weeks old laying hens (Hyline W80) were
used. The hens were divided into four treatment groups with two stocking densities (3 and 5 in
a cage, 560 and 336 cm2
) AA supplementation (0 and 150 mg/kg) and fed for 16 weeks. The
treatment groups as follows: 1) 3 laying hens/cage with basal diet + 0 mg/kg of AA. 2) 5
laying hens/cage with basal diet + 0g of AA, 3) 3 laying hens/cage with basal diet + 150g of
AA and 4) 5 laying hens/cage with basal diet +150g of AA. The ambient temperature was
daylight 32 °C and 24 °C at night. The tonic immobility and respiratory rate were recorded
15th week. Feather loss was scored based on three categories (0: no or minimal feather loss),
1: Slight feather loss and 2: moderate feather loss). The high stocking density increase feather
damage (P<0.01); however, AA concentration and their interactions did not significantly
affect feather score. Respiratory rate of laying hens was increased with high placement
(P<0.05) but not changed by AA supplementation and interactions. Tonic immobility did not
affect by the stocking density, AA supplementation and their interactions. In conclusion,
increase in stocking density at hot environmental condition caused an increase in respiratory
rate and feather loss score.