Growth and Carcass Performance of Male White Leghorn Fed with Organic and Commercial Free-Range Diets raised under Extensive Rearing System

Abstract

In layer industry, male White Leghorns are considered production wastes and are commonly killed after hatching. However, these chickens are overlooked as an additional source of meat for human consumption. With the current decline of chicken meat supply in the country, this study raised 400 hardened (45 days [d]) male White Leghorns to determine their suitability in meat production and profitability to be raised under a free-range system fed with different diets (i.e., organic and commercial free-range diets). Chickens were randomly distributed to eight houses with ranging areas. All management practices and feed composition strictly adhered to the Philippine guidelines. Growth performance data were collected twice a month. To assess the carcass traits, five chickens per house were randomly sacrificed at 75 and 90 d. Results revealed that chickens that received commercial free-range diet had significantly better growth (45 to 87 d and 45 to 101 d) and carcass performance. On the other hand, chickens fed with organic diets had significantly yellower skin and lean meat in the leg part. More mature chickens upon slaughter significantly had higher carcass traits. Moreover, male White Leghorns fed with organic or commercial free-range diets had high positive margin over feed cost. In conclusion, raising male White Leghorn under extensive rearing system and fed with either organic and commercial free-range diets can be a profitable business venture and additional source of chicken meat.