Suitability of layer-type male chicks for capon production

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of age and caponization on the growth performance and carcass quality characteristics of Leghorn cockerels. The experiment was conducted on 224 Leghorn cockerels. At 8 wk of age, 112 birds were surgically castrated by a qualified veterinarian in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 543/2008. The birds were divided into 2 sex categories (with 8 replications per group and 14 birds per replication). The birds were raised to 28 wk of age, and were fed commercial diets ad libitum. From 12 wk of age, at 4-wk intervals, 8 intact cockerels and 8 capons (1 bird per replication) were selected randomly and slaughtered. Caponization had a beneficial influence on the feed conversion ratio (FCR). FCR (kg/kg) based on body weight (BW) gain, carcass weight gain, and edible weight gain was lower in capons from 24 wk of age (P < 0.05), and FCR based on lean weight gain was lower in capons from 21 wk of age (P < 0.05). The content of edible components expressed as a percentage of the total BW of cockerels and capons was similar in the corresponding age groups. Caponization had no effect on the total lean meat content of the carcass (P = 0.744), but differences were found between the weights of breast muscles and leg muscles. In week 24 and 28, the weight of breast muscles was higher in capons than in cockerels (P < 0.05). Cockerels had higher leg muscle weight than capons, and significant differences were noted in week 16 and in 28 (P < 0.05).