PERBANDINGAN AREA DEPAN BELAKANG DI KANDANG CLOSED HOUSE TERHADAP PERFORMA AYAM PETELUR FASE STARTER

This study aimed to compare growth performance and uniformity of layer chickens in the starter phase reared in the front and back areas of a closed house system. The research material consisted of 108 Isa Brown layer chickens aged 6 weeks, divided into 54 birds in the front area and 54 birds in the back area. The method used was an observational approach with a comparative design without specific treatments. The observed variables included body weight, growth rate, body weight uniformity, and microclimate conditions of the house, such as temperature, humidity, air velocity, and Heat Stress Index (HSI). The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive quantitative methods. The results showed that body weight in both areas increased weekly; however, chickens in the front area tended to have higher body weight compared to those in the back area. The growth rate in the front area was 86.2%, while in the back area it was 85.1%. The level of body weight uniformity in both areas was above the standard, with average uniformity of 97.04% in the front area and 95.93% in the back area. The Heat Stress Index values were 166.30 in the front area and 167.07 in the back area. In conclusion, rearing layer chickens in the starter phase in the front area of a closed house system resulted in better growth performance and uniformity compared to the back area.