| ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens reared at two stocking densities and coir litter with different height. A total of 522 one-day male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial arrangement, with three litter height (5, 10 and 15 cm) and two densities (10 and 13 birds/m2), with six triplicates. The experimental period lasted 42 days, evaluating pH and litter moisture; performance; carcass traits; bone quality; and intensities of breast, hock and footpad lesions in the birds. Regarding the effect of density, a significant influence was observed only on performance, wherein the birds reared at the density of 13 birds/m2 showed lower intake and weight gain and better feed... |
