The effect of triticales on the yield and meat quality of broilers

Abstract

The influence of triticale as feed on the production and carcass traits of chickens is investigated in this paper. The study was conducted on 200 chickens for fattening, hybrid Ross 308. In the experiment, two groups, or treatments, were formed, with 100 chickens in each group. One group was the control group K, with the classical mixture fed to broilers, and the other one was the experimental O-group of chickens fed diets containing triticale genotypes Kg 20. The first diet was the standard starter, grower I, grower II and finisher and served as control. The other rations contained 7.5%, 12%, 15% and 18% triticale as graded replacement for wheat. During the fattening period, health conditions of broilers were periodically monitored, and the following fattening traits as well: weight gain (individual measurements of all the chickens once a week), feed intake and mortality. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days. Feed and water supply for chickens was ad libitum applying floor housing system. Since the yield of carcass as well as the yield and share of some meat categories of cold carcass dressing are very important factors of quality, the influence of feeding treatments on some mentioned traits was monitored. The results showed that the chickens in the control group (K), which were fed a mixture of standard feed, had slightly better productive results compared to chickens in the experimental groups (O), which were fed diets containing triticale. The average body weight of broiler chickens at 42 days of fattening was higher in chickens of K-group - 1896.875 g, and slightly lower in broiler chickens fed triticale - 1846.684 g. By the end of the experimental period (42 days) the highest feed consumption per chicken was recorded in the control group of chickens (4.332 kg). The experimental group of chickens which were fed classical diets had lower mortality throughout the experimental period.