Abstract
Abstract This study examined strain, sex and slaughter weight effect on performance, meat quality and yield of broiler chicken. One hundred and fifty-day-old chicks (broilers) were distributed randomly in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial experiment, with 50 birds per strain (Ross, Aboaca and Anak) and 25 birds per sex. After trial, 32 birds per strain and 16 per sex were slaughtered at 4 different body weights (1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 g) to determine carcass yield and meat quality. The results revealed significant strain and sex effect (P < 0.05) on growth performance of the broiler chicken. Ross strain had the highest feed intake (4883.25 g) and final body weight (2440.25 g) compared to Aboaca and Anak strains. Female broiler having heavier body weight (2431.66 g) and feed intake (4864.83 g) than the males for all strains. Aboaca birds had the highest carcass yields for all slaughter weight than Anak and Ross. The slaughter weight, irrespective sex and strains significantly influenced the carcass yield (P < 0.001) with birds slaughtered at 2,500 g having (P < 0.001) highest values compared to other slaughtered weights. As slaughter weight increases, cooking loss and thermal shortening decreases while water holding capacity and shear force values increases. Overall, Aboaca strain was considered to have best performances for production.
Highlights
Broiler birds are bred for rapid growth (Packard 2014) to attain mature body size within 7–10 weeks depending on the strain, sex and management (Alzenbarakji 2011; Abdollahi et al 2017)
Findings from this study revealed that strain and sex have significant influence on body weight of broiler chicken
Female broiler chicken revealed higher body weight, carcass characteristic and better meat quality compared to the male broiler chicken
Summary
Broiler birds are bred for rapid growth (Packard 2014) to attain mature body size within 7–10 weeks depending on the strain, sex and management (Alzenbarakji 2011; Abdollahi et al 2017). There are numerous strains of broilers worldwide. Flemming et al (1999) recognized Ross, Cobb, Hubbard, Arbor Acres and Isa Vidette as strains of broilers that are commonly grown in many places. Olawumi et al (2012) identified Arbor Acres, Marshall, Hubbard, Anak and Aboaca are breeds of broilers that are commonly used for commercial purposes. Most of the hatchery sells unsexed broiler chicks. Male broiler is mostly preferred because it grows faster and has higher live weight (Ojedapo et al 2008; Olawumi et al 2012)
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