Component Yields and Tibia Characteristics of Broilers as Affected by Feed and Light Restriction

Abstract

McDonald, A.L., Chen, T.C., Lott, B.D. and May, J.D. 2001. Component yields and tibia characteristics of broilders as affected by feed and light restriction. Appl. Anim. Res., 20: 1–14. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of restricted light and feed on compensatory gain in broilers, processing yields, component distribution and tibia characteristics of broilers. Broiler chicks were placed in 24 pens (60 birds/pen) with sexes separated. Three treatments were utilized: 1) ad libitum feed and 24 h light (L)(control); 2) restricted feed (9h/d) and 24 h L (RF); and 3) restricted feed (9h/d) and 9L:15D (ELF). After 14 d, all broilers were changed to 24 h L and ad libitum feed. At Week 6, eleven birds of similar weight per pen were processed with results indicating that male control birds were heaviest. The ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass weights for the control birds were also higher (P≤.05). The percent head and neck weights for the RF and RLF birds were higher. Females exhibited a higher percent weight for intestine, abdominal fat pad, liver and lower percent New York dressed weight with no treatment differences. Control males exhibited the highest RTC as percent of live weights. The control and RF females showed the highest total breast weight as percent of RTC, with the control males exhibiting the highest percentage of breast and thigh meat. No differences were observed among treatments with regard to percentage solid content or breaking strength of the tibiae. Male tibiae exhibited higher breaking strength than females, but were less dense. This study revealed no advantage to the poultry industry or grower in using restricted feeding or a combination of restricted feed and light.