Effects of Stocking Densities and Illuminance Levels on Skin Conditions of Broilers in Winter

This study investigated the impact of stocking densities and illuminance levels on skin conditions in broilers during winter lairage. A total of 35-day-old 192 Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial design, which included three stocking densities (low density (LD): 292.12 cm²/kg, normal density (ND): 233.70 cm²/kg, high density (HD): 194.75 cm²/kg) and two illuminance levels (0—5 lux (LX) and 5—10 lux (HX)). Following transportation in plastic crates (0.82 m × 0.57 m × 0.29 m), the birds were placed in lairage at temperatures below 10°C. Feather conditions and footpad dermatitis were evaluated after 1 hour of the lairage period as measures of skin conditions. The data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA to investigate the effects of stocking densities, illuminance levels, and their interaction on feather conditions and footpad dermatitis. No significant differences were found in feather conditions and the incidence of footpad dermatitis concerning stocking densities, illumination levels, and their interaction during winter lairage (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05). These findings suggest that broilers can effectively adapt to various lairage conditions in winter, including different stocking densities and illuminance levels, without significant effects on their skin conditions. Further study under more specific environmental conditions is necessary to identify proper lairage conditions for broilers during winter.