Comparative morphometry of the upper respiratory tract of broilers reared in environmentally controlled and open housing systems

Abstract

The present study was aimed to compare the gross morphological characteristics of the upper respiratory tract, in broilers reared under environmentally controlled and open housing systems. Sixty broilers were selected for the study. The birds were divided into two sets (EC, n=30; open, n=30) of three groups with 10 birds in each, 14, 35, and 42 days of age. The morphometric measurements were recorded after euthanasia and slaughter of each group. Body weight showed divergent patterns: open birds were found heavier at 14 days, but EC surpassed at 35 days and maintained superiority till 42 days. At 42 days, EC birds, showed significantly superior growth in all organs of upper respiratory tract as compared to the birds reared in open house. EC housing provides stable environmental conditions that promote optimal growth as well as development of upper respiratory tract, which is essential for overall performance of broilers.