Abstract
The study evaluated the impact of relaxation music on the production performance, welfare, and blood parameters of broiler chickens. Literature indicates that specific music genres, as environmental enrichment, can improve animal welfare and production outcomes. The research involved 1,200 Ross 308 chickens divided into control (C) and experimental (M) groups. The rearing period lasted 42 days, and was conducted according to the flock management guide (Aviagen, 2019). The M group was exposed to relaxation music (Weightless by Marconi Union), played for two hours daily (08:00-10:00) and for 30 minutes before slaughter, at 70 dB. Body weight, feed consumption (FCR), mortality, and rearing conditions (litter pH, harmful gases) were monitored. On day 35, excreta samples were collected to analyze cortisol concentrations and assess welfare. Blood was also collected at slaughter for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (PS IMGO PRO 8.0). Significantly higher final body weights and lower FCRs were observed in the M group chickens (p ≤ 0.05). Enriching the chickens' environment with relaxation music also resulted in lower cortisol concentrations in excreta samples and improved welfare levels (p ≤ 0.01). Blood analysis of the M group showed a significant increase in the average number of red blood cells and the calcium content, while glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) concentrations were lower (p ≤ 0.01). The hematocrit percentage, total protein, and uric acid concentrations were significantly lower in the M group compared to the C group (p ≤ 0.05). Litter pH monitoring showed significantly lower pH values for the M group on days 22 and 35 (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05, respectively). However, on day 10, litter pH was lower for the C group chickens (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found for the other results. Relaxation music can serve as environmental enrichment for broiler chickens, potentially improving their production performance and welfare quality. However, further research is necessary to verify the mechanism behind these effects.