Effect of stocking density on blood biochemical and leukocyte profile of broiler chicken in summer season

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the blood biochemical picture and leukocyte profile of broiler chicken. Twenty four Vencobb broiler chicks of four weeks of age were used for the study. The birds were divided into two groups (G-1 and G-2) with 12 birds in each group and reared in cages. The G-1 birds were provided with a floor space of 696 cm²/bird and that of G-2 group were given a floor space of 348 cm²/bird. Blood samples were collected at fortnight intervals and analysed for the hematological and biochemical parameters. In the study heterophil and lymphocyte counts, H/L ratio, plasma concentration of glucose, globulin, total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were influenced by high stocking density. Concentration of plasma total proteins, albumin and Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) were not significantly affected by stocking density. Those parameters that are significantly affected in the study could be considered as indicators of stress of overcrowding.