Recent research from Hebei Agricultural University in Baoding, China, sheds light on the potential positive impact of classical music on broiler welfare under varying stocking densities. High stocking density has long been associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in broilers, posing challenges to their health and well-being. While music therapy has been previously considered for stress relief in animals, the effectiveness of classical music specifically in mitigating stress among broilers facing high stocking density remained uncertain. This study aimed to explore the effects of classical music on growth performance, stress levels, antioxidant indices, immune function, and meat quality of broilers subjected to different stocking densities.
Methodology:
The researchers conducted a meticulous study involving 540 day-old broilers with similar body weight. The subjects were randomly divided into six treatment groups, each consisting of two feeding environments (with or without classical music) and three stocking densities (15.5, 17.9, and 20.3 birds/sqm). This 2 x 3 factorial arrangement allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the impact of stocking density and classical music on broiler welfare.
Key Findings:
- Effect of Stocking Density:
- Increased stocking density led to a decrease in average daily feed intake and average daily gain.
- Higher stocking density resulted in an elevated feed-to-gain ratio and increased broiler mortality.
- Serum corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels rose with higher stocking density.
- Decreased spleen and bursal indices, as well as lower serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M levels, were observed at higher stocking densities.
- Elevated serum malondialdehyde and decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were noted with increased stocking density.
- Stocking density decrease serum total protein levels while increasing total cholesterol and glucose levels.
- Effect of Classical Music:
- Classical music was found to counteract the negative impacts of high stocking density on broilers.
- Broilers exposed to classical music exhibited increased average daily gain and decreased feed-to-gain ratio.
- Classical music reduced serum corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and glucose levels.
- Positive effects on immune function were observed, including increased bursa of Fabricius index and serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G contents.
- Meat quality, as indicated by the a24h value of pectoralis, also showed improvement under music therapy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the research highlighted that a high stocking density of 20.3 birds/sqm adversely impacted the growth performance and health of broilers. However, the introduction of classical music demonstrated a mitigating effect on these negative consequences. Classical music emerged as a potential intervention to enhance broiler welfare, offering a promising avenue for further exploration in poultry farming practices.
For more details on the research, refer to the full article here.
