Bagana de carnaúba como cama aviária na criação de frangos de corte

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of carnauba bagasse as poultry litter for broilers raised under two housing densities. A total of 720 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial scheme, with two densities (11 and 13 birds/m²) and two types of litter (wood shavings and carnauba bagasse), with 12 replicates per treatment. The experimental period ranged from 1 to 42 days. The zootechnical performance, carcass characteristics and the intensity of lesions on the breast, knee and foot pad of the birds were evaluated. There was no interaction between the factors studied on the variables evaluated. Regarding the effect of density, a significant effect was observed only on feed intake and weight gain, with birds raised at a density of 13 birds/m² showing lower feed intake and weight gain compared to those raised at a density of 11 birds/m². Regarding the type of litter, there was no significant effect on the performance variables and carcass characteristics; however, lesions in the plantar pad and knee were significantly more frequent in birds raised on carnauba bagasse litter, increasing the incidence of lesions in the plantar pad and knee by 8.6% and 28%, respectively. In addition, an increase in the intensity of lesions was observed, with moderate scores of 1 and 2 and severe scores of 3 and 4. It is concluded that, regardless of the rearing density, carnauba bagasse litter has no negative effect on performance and carcass characteristics; however, it increases the incidence and intensity of leg lesions, which may compromise the welfare of the chickens.