Scientists from China conducted a study on the impact of classical music on the health of broilers kept under high density conditions (20.3 birds per m²). The results showed that music can mitigate the negative effects of such housing.
As part of the experiment, specialists from Hebei Agricultural University selected 540 one-day-old broiler chicks with the same weight. The main objective of the researchers was to assess the impact of classical music on growth, stress levels, antioxidant status, immune functions, and meat quality of broilers.
The chicks were randomly divided into 6 groups and kept under three different stocking density conditions — 15.5, 17.9, and 20.3 birds per m², with two groups in each category. Some groups were fed while listening to classical music, while others were fed without musical accompaniment.
During the study, the scientists recorded a significant negative impact of high stocking density on the health and overall condition of the broilers. In particular, a decrease in average daily feed intake and weight gain was noted, along with an increase in mortality rates, as well as elevated levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone in the serum. Additionally, the condition of the spleen and synovial bursa worsened, and the levels of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM decreased. There was also a deterioration in antioxidant protection, expressed by an increase in malondialdehyde levels and a decrease in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. The birds exhibited high levels of cholesterol and glucose, as well as a deficiency of total protein in the serum.
At the same time, broilers that were fed while listening to classical music showed higher feed intake and lower levels of corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and glucose compared to the other groups. The condition of the bursa of Fabricius (a lymphoepithelial organ located at the rear of the cloaca in birds) and the average daily growth rates of breast muscles also improved. The levels of immunoglobulins A and G also showed improvement.
Based on the obtained data, the researchers concluded that high stocking density (20.3 birds per m²) negatively affects the growth rates and overall health of broilers; however, classical music may partially mitigate the negative effects of such housing.
The results of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
