Carcass Characteristics Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

English

A 3×2 factorial experiment was used to investigate the effect of varying dietary crude protein levels; optimum (control, 19.64% CP), low (17.72% CP) and high (21.66% CP) diets, fed ad libitum and on skip-a-day bases on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. The diets were iso-energetic. A total of 180 3-week old broiler chicks were used at three replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. The feeding trial lasted for 5 weeks. Weight gain was lowest for chickens on low protein diet compared with those fed the optimum (P>0.05) and high protein diets (P 0.05) by skip-a-day feeding method. Other carcass characteristics were not influenced (P>0.05) by dietary protein levels but a higher energy to protein ratio promoted the development of organs. Higher values were recorded for carcass characteristics of birds on ad libitum feeding compared with skip-a-day feeding. This study reiterates the benefit of feeding a balanced (optimum) protein diet, ad libitum to broiler chicken finishers. Key words: Broiler chickens, feed protein, feeding regime, performance.

The Performance and Characteristics of Carcass and Breast Meat of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Flaxseed Meal

The effects of flaxseed meal (FSM) feeding on the performance (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio), carcass characteristics and pectoral muscles fillets [major (PMJ) and minor (PMN)] quality [shear force, pH and cooking water loss percentage (CWLP)] and colour [redness (a*), lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*)] were evaluated in a factorial design experiment with five graded levels of FSM (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g) and sex of broiler chickens from 21 to 39 days (d) of age. The addition of FSM to the diet did not affect the performance and carcass characteristics, but significantly (P<0.05) increased CWLP and reduced pH of the PMJ (80>20=0, and 80<60=40=20=0 g FSM/kg) and PMN (80>40=20=0 g and 80<60=20=0 g FSM/kg), and (P<0.01) increased a* value of the PMJ (80=60>40 g FSM/kg). The male birds had significantly (P<0.01) higher performance, L* value of the PMN and lower a* value of the PMN than females. The breast weight of males fed 20 g FSM/kg was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of females. However, higher dietary levels of FSM/kg increased breast weight of females when compared with those of males. It was concluded that the addition of up to 80 g FSM/kg to the diet during 21 to 39 d did not affect the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens, and that of 80 g FSM/kg increased CWLP and reduced pH of PMs. Sex of birds influenced the performance and characteristics of PMs.

Effects of Replacing Maize with Graded Levels of Cassava Tuber Meal, Brewer’s Dried Grain and Palm Oil Mixture on the Serum Biochemistry and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the value of a mixture of sun-dried cassava tuber meal (C), brewers' dried grains (B), and palm oil (P) (CBP-mix) based diets with a view to determine its optimal dietary maize replacement levels in broiler starter and finisher diets, its effects on serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics of broilers. Sun-dried Cassava tuber meal (C), Brewers' dried grains (B) and Palm oil (P) were mixed in ratio 60:35:5 respectively. A total of 120 day old broiler chicks were allotted to 4 dietary treatments, in a completely randomised design, containing 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% CBP-mix replacement levels for maize. At the end of the experiment data collected were subjected to one way analysis of variance using SPSS package version 17. All the carcass parameters measured except for drumstick were significant (P< 0.05). The birds on control performed significantly better (P<0.05) than those on CBP-mix diets in terms of live, carcass and thigh weights. Diet 3 (30% CBP-mix) however had the highest dressing percentage, breast muscle and liver. All the serum biochemical parameter showed significant difference (P<0.05). The highest value of Albumin and total protein recorded for birds in diet 4 (45% CBP-mix) suggests high quality of protein while the highest creatinine for birds on diet 1 suggests muscular wastage. Conclusively, diet 3 (30% CBP-mix) was recommended considering dressing percentage, breast and liver weights. Incorporation of these levels of CBP- mix in the diets of broilers does not have any negative effect on the carcass characteristic and serum biochemical profile of the birds.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Organs Weight of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of White Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor, Linn.) as a Replacement for Dietary Maize

An eight-week experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, carcass characteristics and organs weight of broiler chickens fed graded levels of white guinea corn (WGC) as replacement for dietary maize. Five experimental diets were formulated and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5. Diet 1 (0% WGC) served as control, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels of WGC replacing maize respectively. A total of 225 day- old Marshal Broiler chicks were randomly allotted to the five treatments. Each treatment had 45 birds replicated thrice with 15 birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feeds and water were provided ad libitum. The results of the experiment showed that average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed WGC up to 75% were significantly (p 0.05) different across the treatment groups. All the carcass parameters measured were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments with diet containing 75%WGC better than other diets. Also, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in the weights of liver, intestine and intestinal length. It was concluded that WGC could conveniently replace up to 75% of the maize in broiler diets without any adverse effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens.

The Relationship Between Guanidino Acetic Acid and Metabolisable Energy Level of Diets on Performance of Broiler Chickens

This work aimed to investigate the effects on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens of 2 levels of guanidino acetic acid (GAA) in a commercial form (CreAMINO®) and 4 levels of metabolisable energy. The eight dietary regimens were tested for starter (0-10 d), grower (11-22 d) and finisher (23-35 d) peri ods on a total of 200 male ROSS 308 broiler chickens in a factorial arrangements of treat ments (2 4), with experimental diet fed to 5 replicate pens with 4 birds each. The results revealed a positive effect for CreAMINO® supplementation on feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the starter, grower, finisher and cumulative periods (P<0.05, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001, respectively); feed conversion was significantly improved in the treatment with CreAMINO® supplementation vs unsupplemented group. During the grower period, a significant difference in FCR was observed for metabolisable energy (ME) level (P<0.01). When examining the cumulative period of the trial (0 to 35 days of age), two-way interaction was significant for feed intake and body weight gain. Birds receiving the control level of energy, 75 or 50 kcal/kg lower ME than the control, consumed less feed when supplemented with CreAMINO®. Birds receiving 25 kcal/kg lower ME or the control energy levels gained more weight when supplemented with CreAMINO®. In summary, GAA (as CreAMINO) improved FCR of broilers in each period as well as cumulatively, while ME level also affected FCR. CreAMINO® supplementation to reduced-energy diets showed FCR improvements, while the best performance was detected for the diet with 50 kcal/kg lower ME.

Effects of high non-phytate phosphorus starter diet on subsequent growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The trial was performed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) in the starter and grower (with phytase inclusion) periods on carcass characteristics, organ weight and weekly variations of growth performance in the grower period. Seven hundred and twenty-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chickens received two dietary treatments (4.5g/kg and 6g/kg nPP) in the starter (0-21days) and six experimental diets (4g/kg, 3.1g/kg, 2.3g/kg and 2.3g/kg+1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase, 1.5g/kg, 1.5g/kg nPP+1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase) in the grower period (22-42days). Results showed that phytase inclusion in the second and third weeks of grower period could increase feed intake significantly. Also, decrease in the concentrations of nPP to 1.5g/kg caused to decline body weight gain markedly. Moreover, there is a significant difference between 4.5g/kg and 6+4g/kg nPP (starter+grower) and 1.5g/kg nPP. Phytase inclusion increased carcass yield and declined liver weight significantly. Dietary treatment of 4.5+1.5g/kg nPP enhanced heart and liver weight markedly. It is concluded that starter diets with increased concentration of nPP (6g/kg nPP) had no beneficial effects on growth performance in the starter and grower period in the total (0-42days). Also, it is possible to decrease nPP concentration of grower diets to 1.5 and 2.3g/kg with and without phytase inclusion respectively.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction During the Starter Period on Compensatory Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction During the Starter Period on Compensatory Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic additives and organic acids in broiler chicken diets

The experiment evaluated the influence of isolated or associated phytogenic additives (PA) and organic acids (OA) on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments (with or without PA × with or without OA + antibiotic performance enhancer and anticoccidial). In the first experiment, two metabolic tests were conducted to determine the metabolizability coefficients of the nutrients of starter and growth diets. In the second experiment, 2520 one-day-old chicks were housed in 40 experimental units to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics. The phytogenic additives and organic acids, isolated or associated, improve the nutrient digestibility of the diet and replace the growth- promoting antibiotics. The use of organic acids isolated or associated with phytogenic additives in broiler diets improves broiler performance in comparison with free antibiotic performance enhancer at 42 days of age. Isolated or associated phytogenic additives and organic acids provided better carcass characteristics.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction During the Starter Period on Compensatory Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction During the Starter Period on Compensatory Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Growth response and carcass quality of broiler chickens fed on diets supplemented with dietary copper sources

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary sources of copper on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three dietary sources of copper (Cu) namely: copper sulphate (CuSO 4), copper oxide (CuO) and copper acetate were added to a corn-soy basal diet, which was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of broilers, at 150, 200 and 250 ppm. The control diet had no supplemental Cu. There were ten dietary treatment groups. One hundred and sixty ANAK 2000 broiler chicks were randomly divided into these treatment groups of 16 birds each. Each treatment group was further subdivided into four replicates of 4 birds per replicate. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 ◊ 3 factorial arrangements of treatments and the trial lasted for 42 days, after a pre-trial period of 14 days. The final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds were determined on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, two birds per replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass quality traits. The average final body weight and body weight gain of the birds fed with Cu supplemented diets were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different from those fed with the control diet. The birds on Cu supplemented diets gained more body weight than birds on the control diet. Birds fed with 200 ppm Cu gained (P ≥ 0.05) more weight than those on other levels of inclusion. Although not significant (P ≥ 0.05), those birds fed with CuO gained more weight than birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. There was no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference in the average feed intake of birds fed Cu supplemented diets compared to the birds on the control diet. The FCR of the birds fed with supplemented diets was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than that of the birds on the control diet. Those birds fed with Cu supplemented diets utilized feed better than birds on the control diet. Among those fed with dietary Cu salts, those birds on CuO utilized feed better (P ≤ 0.05) than the birds on CuSO 4 and Cu acetate. Dietary Cu supplementation had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effect on carcass quality traits determined. It can be concluded from this study that dietary copper supplementation up to 250 ppm from CuSO 4, CuO and Cu acetate can substantially improve the growth performance and feed utilization of broilers.

Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Fed Five Different Commercial Vitamin-Mineral Premixes in Ibadan, Nigeria

The relative efficacy of five proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens was undertaken in a trial lasting six weeks at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and eighty eight 1-day broiler chicks of Abor acre strain were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments of forty eight chicks per treatment. Each treatment was a triplicate of sixteen chicks per replicate. Six isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. Diet 1 (T1) was the control without any premix. Other diets were supplemented appropriately with 0.25% Daramvita (T2), Biorganics (T3), Hinutrients (T4), Optimix (T5) and DSM Nutripoults (T6). The experimental diets were offered to the respective birds with water given ad libitum. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. The feed conversion ratio of birds on T3, T4, T5 and T6 were 2.64, 2.58, 2.61 and 2.57 respectively and were significantly different (p 0.05). Performance and carcass indices indicated variable potency and efficacy of the evaluated proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Effect of Varying Light Intensity on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Grown to Heavy Weights

This study investigated the effects of varying levels of light intensities (25, 10, 5, 2.5 and 0.2 lx) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens grown to heavy weights. Four identical trials were conducted with two replications per trial. In each trial, 600 1-d-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into 10 environmentally controlled chambers (30 male and 30 female chicks/chamber). Each chamber was randomly assigned one of five light intensities from d 22 to 56. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds were provided a four phase-feeding program (starter, grower, finisher and withdrawal). Birds and feed were weighed on 0, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 d of age for growth performance. Also at 56 d of age, 20 birds (10 males and 10 females) from each chamber were randomly selected and processed to determine weights and yields. There was no effect of light intensity on growth performance, except significant (p<0.054) difference in FCR on 28 d of age under 25 and 5 lx. Broilers reared under 5 lx had significantly higher live weight (p<0.046) and carcass weight (p<0.026) in comparison with 0.2 and 25 lx. Birds reared under 5 and 10 lx had significantly higher fillet (p<0.025) and tender (p<0.034) weights when compared with birds reared under 0.2 and 25 lx. Mortality was not affected by light intensity treatments. In addition, plasma corticosterone concentrations were not statistically affected by light intensity, suggesting an absence of physiological stress. These results indicate that the range of light intensity used in this study has no effect on most production performances of broilers reared up to 56 d of age, but did affect some carcass characteristics. Therefore, using lower lighting intensity may be beneficial to commercial poultry facilities that are using low lighting environment to reduce hyperactivity, pecking damage and energy costs without physiological stress effects on broiler welfare.

Effects of supplementation of canola meal-based diets with arginine on performance, plasma nitric oxide, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens grown at high altitude

A total of 300 male broilers (Ross 308) were exposed to cool conditions at high altitudes to study the effects of dietary Arg supplementation on performance and physiological and zootechnical variables. A corn-soybean meal (SBM) and a corn-canola meal (CM) diet were formulated for the starting (1 to 3 wk of age) and growing (3 to 6 wk of age) stages according to NRC recommendations. Two additional diets were prepared by supplementing 0.2 and 0.4% l-Arg to the corn-CM diet. Substitution of CM for SBM caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in weight gain and feed intake and resulted in impaired feed:gain. Supplementing Arg in the CM diet restored the feed and weight losses to a significant extent so that a significant difference was found between CM diet and CM + 0.4% Arg in terms of weight gain for the growing (3 to 6 wk) stage and the entire study (1 to 6 wk; P < 0.05). Total plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentration analyzed by nitrate plus nitrite assay was measured in the treatment groups. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in plasma NO level was observed by substituting CM for SBM in the diet. Supplementing the CM diet with Arg increased the plasma NO level above that of SBM group. Carcass and breast yields were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as a result of substituting CM for SBM. The substitution of CM for SBM, however, significantly (P < 0.05) increased the proportions of thighs and heart. The right ventricular weight:total ventricular weight ratio and ascites mortality showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase when SBM was replaced by CM in the diet. Fortification of the CM diet with Arg eliminated the significant difference in the right-to-total ventricular weight ratios when compared with the SBM diet. In conclusion, feeding CM to broiler chickens raised at high altitude caused reduced growth performance and predisposed the birds to pulmonary hypertension and ascites, which were partly restored by Arg supplementation.

Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Finishers Fed Acidifier Based Diets

Effects of supplementing diets with Biotronics SE (an acidifier) in replacement of Oxytetracycline- HCl (Antibiotic Growth Promoter) (AGP) on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens was investigated using 128 Marshall Strain day old broilers. The birds were randomly allotted to four treatments with each treatment made of a duplicate of 16 chicks per replicate. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (A: control diet without Oxytetracycline-HCl and Biotronics SE ; Diet B had 0.1% Oxytetracycline-HCl only, Diet ® C contained 0.3% Biotronics SE only while Diet D contained 0.1% Oxytetracycline HCl and 0.3% Biotronics ® SE ) were formulated and each diet was offered in mash form to their respective birds from day 21 until week ® 7. At day 49, four chickens from each replicate were selected and sacrificed for the determination of carcass characteristics. Weight gain and feed intake were significantly higher (p 0.05). Biotronics supplementation significantly improved (p 0.05) affected by the inclusion of AGP or acidifier in the diets. Biotronics SE can suitably replace AGP in broilers diets.

Effects of Different Levels of Probiotic and Prebiotic onn Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effects of Different Levels of Probiotic and Prebiotic onn Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Influence of modified incubation factors on carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Incubation factors have a great influence on embryonic and postnatal development of broiler chickens. The aim of changing of incubation factors is to obtain the best possible production characteristics of broilers. In previous studies, it was determined that the application of monochromatic green light and thermal conditioning during incubation give the most satisfactory results on the postnatal development of chickens. This paper examines the effects of green monochromatic light and thermal conditioning during incubation on the carcass characteristics of broilers. In this paper four experimental groups were set. The first group was incubated under the standard conditions (37.8 ? C, no light). In the second group incubation temperature were increased, while in the third group incubation was carried out under green monochromatic light. In the fourth group temperature and light conditions of incubation were changed simultaneously. In all groups, changes of incubation factors were made at precisely defined time intervals. After hatching, chickens were grown up to day 42, when they were sacrificed and their carcass characteristics examined. Analysis of results showed that all treated groups have significant higher body weight, weight of drumsticks, thighs and toes. The fourth group have significant higher weight of breasts and wings compared to control group. These results are explained by the influence of the temperature and light changes during incubation on the increased proliferation of myoblasts, the growth of skeletal muscle cells, and the activity of satellite cells, which are reflected in changes of carcass characteristics.

Effects of Different Levels of Probiotic and Prebiotic on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effects of Different Levels of Probiotic and Prebiotic on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Comparison of Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets with Various Energy and Constant Energy to Protein Ratio

Comparison of Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets with Various Energy and Constant Energy to Protein Ratio

The Effects of Different Growth Promoters on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The Effects of Different Growth Promoters on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Replacement of Normal Maize with Quality Protein Maize on Performance, Immune Response and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary replacement of normal maize (NM) with quality protein maize (QPM) on performance, immune response and carcass characteristics of broiler (Krishibro) chickens. Six experimental diets were prepared separately for starter and finisher phases. Diet 1 was a control diet formulated with NM and soybean meal. In diets 2-5, the NM was replaced with QPM at 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. Diet 6 was the same as the control diet, but supplemented with synthetic lysine similar to the industry standard. Each test diet was fed to 8 replicates, each of 5 chicks, reared in stainless steel battery brooders. The AME content of QPM (3382 kcal/kg) was similar to that of NM (3,352 kcal/kg), but protein (9.91 vs. 8.94%), lysine (0.40 vs. 0.26%) and tryptophan (0.09 vs. 0.07%) contents of QPM were higher than NM. Dietary replacement of NM with 50% QPM significantly (p<0.05) improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, humoral immune response, relative bursa weight, and breast muscle yield and lowered abdominal fat content. No further improvement in these parameters was recorded by increasing the level of replacement of NM with QPM to either 75% or 100%. Further, the improvement noticed in the 50% QPM group was similar to the group fed the NM diet with lysine supplementation, and thus dietary replacement of NM with QPM at 50% did not need extra synthetic lysine supplementation. It is concluded that dietary replacement of NM with QPM at the 50% level resulted in optimum performance, higher breast muscle yield and higher immune response in broiler chickens.