Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of light intensity (0, 5 or 20 lx) and different pre-slaughter feed fasting duration (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours) on the parameters body weight loss, carcass yield, commercial cuts yield, water carcass retention, bacterial counts and breast meat pH. A number of 72 broiler chickens at 45 days of age (Cobb 500 strain) was distributed in three chambers, in a total of 24 broilers per chamber. The results showed that feed fasting significantly influenced (p<0.05) body weight losswhen broilers were submitted to 9 hours of fasting. Broilers kept in the chamber with 0 lx presented higher body weight loss compared with other light intensities. The results showed an increase in carcass yield (p<0.05) as pre-slaughter feed fasting duration increased, but it did not affect commercial cuts yield or breast meat pH (p>0.05). The presence of feed in the crop and gizzard did not depend on light intensity, but was affected by pre-slaughter feed fasting duration. Bacterial counts decreased with feed fasting duration (p<0.05).
Highlights
Poultry production aims at supplying a highly nutritious product at the least possible cost at the end of the production period
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of light intensity (0, 5 or 20 lx) and different pre-slaughter feed fasting duration (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours) on the parameters body weight loss, carcass yield, commercial cuts yield, water carcass retention, bacterial counts and breast meat pH
The results showed that feed fasting significantly influenced (p
Summary
Poultry production aims at supplying a highly nutritious product at the least possible cost at the end of the production period. Several factors that may influence the quality and/or price of the final during production have been subject of studies. One of those factors is the lighting program to which broilers are submitted during the grow-out. The level of light intensity (defined as the light flow on a flat surface per lighted area) should be the minimum required to allow birds to identify and to reach the feeders and drinkers, spending the least possible energy in these activities, thereby concentrating their metabolic activity for muscle accretion. According to Castello et al (1991), with a light intensity lower than 0.1 lx, it is still possible to see the birds, but they remain inactive; with 1 lx, birds can be managed, and they partially develop their activities; and with 5 lx, birds can clearly see and fully develop their activities
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