Influence of Dietary Quercetin and Stocking Density on Stress Indicators and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens in Tropical Production Systems

This study investigated influence of dietary quercetin and stocking density on stress indicators and meat quality of broiler chickens in tropical production systems. Broilers were allotted to four treatments combining two stocking densities (12 and 18 birds/m²) with or without oral quercetin administration (50 mg/kg). Stocking density had a marked effect on stress indicators, with birds kept at the lower density showing reduced erythrocyte fragility compared with those reared at higher density. Meat pH declined more rapidly in the high-density, non-supplemented group, suggesting early post-mortem quality deterioration, while quercetin and lower stocking density helped maintain more desirable pH trends during storage. Although quercetin did not improve erythrocyte stability at low stocking density, supplementation moderated meat quality losses in broilers previously exposed to high-density stress. These findings indicate that managing stocking density, alongside targeted antioxidant supplementation, may contribute to improved welfare and extended shelf-life of broiler meat under tropical production conditions.