The influence of transportation distance during the dry season on broiler chickens’ carcas traits

Abstract

This research aims at investigating the influence of transportation distance on broiler chickens’ carcass traits. Two hundred and fifty two broiler chickens were divided into 3 treatment groups (within a transportation distance of 60 km; 120 km; and 180 km). The observed parameters were the broiler chickens’ live weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, and non carcass components including visceral weight, giblet weight, abdominal fat level, carcass value and chemical-containing meat. The research results showed that the broiler chickens’ live weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, visceral weight and carcass economical value significantly decreased within a transportation distance of 180 km. Mean while, the giblet weight and meat fat level started significantly decreased within a transportation distance of 120 km. However, the transportation distance does not influence the abdominal fat level of broiler chickens’ carcass, protein percentage and water content. This research concluded that the farther the transportation distance, the more the broiler chickens’ carcass traits and values may decrease.