The Effect of Season on the Performance, Health, and Welfare of Broilers

Abstract

The research was carried out on 80 broiler flocks (Ross 308) raised during the winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons in commercial enterprises in Uşak City Center and its districts engaged in contract farming. Broiler flocks were examined weekly during the 0-42 day growth period for body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality and EPEF. The 42-day-old broiler was scored for FPD and HB. The season significantly impacted the broiler flock's performance and the birds' prevalence with FPD and HB under commercial conditions. Spring and autumn flocks showed higher performance than winter and summer flocks. The prevalence of birds with foot pad burn and hock burn was highest in winter flocks and lowest in summer flocks. These findings indicate that seasons can significantly impact broiler farms' economic performance and bird welfare. As a result, obtaining further information about the positive and negative effects of seasons on broilers can promote production and provide critical data to encourage innovative strategies for sustainable flock management and improve broiler industry compliance with animal welfare standards.