Abstract
The present trial explained the effect of alternative production systems on growth, morphometric and carcass traits of four different chicken genotypes. The second generation of two genotypes RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) and BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtained by two self-crosses (RNN × RNN = RR and BNN × BNN = BB) and two reciprocal crosses (RNN × BNN = RB and BNN × RNN = BR) were evaluated in three alternative production systems (conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary). At the 6th week of age after sexing, a total of 600 birds, comprising 150 from each crossbred with a total of 300 pullets and 300 cockerels were divided into conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary systems having 200 birds in each.Birds were organized into 3×4 factorial arrangements under Completely Randomized Design (3 production systems × 4 genotypes × 2 sexes × 25 birds = 600 birds). Regarding genotypes, RB and BR males showed higher (p < 0.01) carcass yield, drumstick weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than BB and RR genotypes. Females of BR genotype showed higher (p < 0.01) breast weight, thigh weight and drumstick weight. As far as production systems are concerned, higher (p < 0.01) liver weight, heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight were observed in the males reared in enriched cages compared with conventional cages and aviary system. Females reared in enriched cages showed higher (p < 0.01) heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight when compared with those reared in conventional cages and aviary. It is concluded that chickens (both sexes) of BR and RB genotypes had better morphological measurements and carcass traits than those of RR and BB genotype chickens. Among alternative production systems, chickens reared in enriched cages had better traits than those of reared in conventional cages and aviary during the growing phase.
Highlights
Native chicken breeds in traditional extensive production systems are integral part of the poultry production in developing countries (Ghayas et al, 2020)
Keeping in mind the expected outcome of genetic structuring and the need for suitable rearing systems, it was hypothesized that the morphometric and carcass traits in Naked Neck chicken crossbreds will differ under aviary, conventional cage and enriched cage systems
The study evaluated the performance of crossbreds of Naked Neck (NN), Black Australorp (BAL) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) under alternative production systems i.e., conventional cages, aviary system, and enriched cages
Summary
Native chicken breeds in traditional extensive production systems are integral part of the poultry production in developing countries (Ghayas et al, 2020). Due to unplanned and haphazard crossing in village farming systems, the traits of economic importance in these birds are not feasible for enough profit generation Such quantitative characteristics like, body weight, growth and egg production can be value-added by improving genetics and housing conditions (Ndegwa and Kimani 1997; Okeno et al, 2011; Havenstein et al, 2003 a, b). Keeping in mind the expected outcome of genetic structuring and the need for suitable rearing systems, it was hypothesized that the morphometric and carcass traits in Naked Neck chicken crossbreds will differ under aviary, conventional cage and enriched cage systems
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