Dressed Carcass Percentage Research Articles

Carcass Traits of Geese (Anser anser) as Affected by Age, Gender and Their Interactions

Background: The geese have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for its meat, also used to get rid of weeds as it was released in the fields, which the cost of raising it was low. In recent years, despite of interest in geese production, it is important to take cognisance of the fact that there is a dearth of information on carcass traits, and the different effects of age, gender and their interactions on carcass characteristics of geese. Therefore, the objective of the current study aimed to investigate effect of age, gender and their interactions on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). Methods: A number of geese parents at the end of the third season and their gosling hatched reared until 10 weeks of age and each stock contain equal number of sexes for assessing carcass traits. All geese were reared under equal managerial, environmental and hygienic conditions. Result: Parent stock was significantly (p≥0.0001) higher body weight, dressing percentage and edible meat parts compared to the young geese. Males’ geese had approximately a 17% significantly higher live weight, a 4.6% higher dressed carcass percentage and 5.2% higher edible meat parts percentage than females. The intestine and neck percentages were significantly affected only by age, whereas blood and feather percentages were significantly affected only by gender. Moreover, abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages were affected by all observed factors. The young geese had approximately a 24.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than the parent’s geese. Females’ geese had approximately 8.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than males. Abdominal and gizzard fat (%) were significantly affected by interaction between age and gender. A significant positive correlation coefficient was detected between live body weight and all edible parts of carcass characteristics weights for goose males. In conclusion, the increase of age had a positive effect on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). Males’ geese had a better carcass characteristics compared to females; in addition, the females were significantly higher than males for the abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages.

The Grain Replacement Value of Processed Cassava in Broiler Finisher Rations

EIGHT hundred Starbrow day-old broiler chicks were raised on deep litter on a commercial broiler starter ration. At the end of seven weeks the chicks were randomly and equally alloted to five experimental broiler finisher rations in which maize and gari constituted the main carbohydrate source in the proportions 58:0, 39:16, 29:24.5, 19:33 and 0.49% of ration, respectively. The protein source, groundnut cake, was varied accordingly such that the five rations were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. All other ingredients were mixed in the same amounts for all five rations which were balanced for essential nutrients. All chicks received ad libitum intake of feed and water from the eight week to the thirteenth week when the experiment was concluded. Feed consumption, growth rate, feed efficiency, dressed carcass percentage, liver Weight and abdominal fat percentage were used as parameters to evaluate the relative efficacy of the five ration treatments. 
 Birds on gari rations consumed 3.2% less feed on the average, than those on the Control maize ration, for nearly identical gains. Feed/gain ratio was, therefore, slightly lower for the gari treatments, the lowest value coming from the ration in which maize/gari ratio was 29%:24.5%. Average body weights, rate of gain and feed gain ratio were not significantly different. Variations in carcass and organoleptic measurements indicated no significant differences from dressed carcass percentage, liver weight percentage, tenderness, juiciness, colour or general acceptability. However, abdominal fat percentage was significantly [P<0.001] larger in the gari rations than the control maize ration. This value was highest in the ration that contained only gari as the major carbohydrate source. There was no significant difference in the iodine number of the abdominal fat of the five treatments. 
 The results of this study suggest that gari can replace all the maize in broiler finisher rations or constitute up to 49% of the whole ration, without any decrease in growth rate or carcass quality of broilers, provided such a ration is balanced for protein and amino acids. The best substitution level from this study appears to be at 50%, or 29% of the whole ration.

EFFECT OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA SEEDMEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FROM FIVE TO TWELVE WEEKS OF AGE.

One hundred and twenty 5-week old Shaver Cross broiler chickens were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments in which Leucaena leucocephala seed meal (LSM) replaced groundnut cake at levels of 0, 5, 10 and 20% for an eight week period. Control and 20% LSM diets significantly (P<0.05) increased mean feed intake during the finisher phase. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds on 20% LSM was significantly (P<0.05) lower than FCR of those on the rest of the treatments during the grower phase, while in the finisher period, broilers on 0 and 20% LSM had significantly (P<0.05) lower FCR than birds on Sand 10% LSM; the 10% LSM, however, induced significantly (P <0.05) higher FCR than 5% LSM during the same period. Average weight gains and mortality showed no significant treatment effects throughout the period of study. There were significant (P<0.05) differences between treatments meant for dressed carcass percentage, liver, kidney, intestine and gizzard weights as percentage liveweight. Based on the data obtained in this study, LSM should not be included in broilers' diets at levels more than 10% of the groundnut cake.

Comparative evaluation of graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifteen day-old broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 60g were used for the study. Seven dietary treatments were formulated such that Diet 1 was a control. Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of untreated corncob, while diets 5, 6 and 7 contained cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob at 5%, 10% and 15% levels respectively. The birds were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups in three replicates and each replicate had fifteen birds. Crushed corncobs were pretreated with NaOH to remove the lignin contents and later subjected to locally produced cellulase and pectinase enzymes for the degradation of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) for five days. Proximate analyses of untreated corncobs, cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob, standard diet, diets containing untreated corncobs and diets containing cellulase and pectinase treated corncobs were carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the ingredients and feeds. Data obtained from Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical profile as well as carcass yield were determined in a 2x4 factorial arrangement. Feeding regime was twice daily for all the treatment groups while diets and water were supplied to birds ad libitum. The results showed that at the end of week eight when the experiment was terminated, the broilers placed on untreated corncob diets consumed higher quantities (2497.28 g) of feed than birds placed on enzyme treated diets (2142.94 g) and conversely recorded lower performance indices in all parameters measured. The result also showed that as the levels of untreated corncob diets increased, the final body weight of birds (1450.00 g) significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared to 2385.33g obtained for enzyme treated birds. The result equally showed that broilers fed hydrolyzed corncob diets had significantly higher (P<0.05) and better performance in terms of feed conversion efficiency (0.67 as compared to 0.50) in the untreated birds, protein efficiency ratio (4.17 as compared to 1.69) in the untreated birds, feed conversion ratio (1.21 as compared to 2.70) in the untreated birds, nutrient digestibility, final body weight, dressed carcass percentage (80.22 as compared to 73.93%) in the untreated birds and carcass cuts when compared to broilers fed untreated corncob diets. Enzyme treated corncob diets significantly (P< 0.05) lowered the blood cholesterol levels (1.85 g/dL as compared to 2.15 g/dL) in the untreated birds and also improved other haematological indices measured in the birds compared to the control broilers. Generally, broilers fed enzyme hydrolyzed corncob diets performed better with birds fed 15.00% enzyme treated corncob diets having the highest and the best performance record which could be attributed to better utilization of nutrients since the enzymes have hydrolyzed the nutrient releasing monomers and hence are better metabolized. It is concluded that feeding broilers with enzyme hydrolyzed corn cob at the levels 5 to15.0 % improved performance and carcass values. In addition, it elevated 99 albumin, globulin, total protein, Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels in the blood.

Body weight and carcass characteristics of broilers fed different mixtures of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) in diets

Body weight and carcass characteristics of broilers was investigated in a feeding experiment using 135 broilers of Abor acre strain in a completely randomised design that lasted for eight weeks at the Teaching and Research farm, Department of Agricultural education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka Lagos Nigeria. The birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments of 45 chicks per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times (15 chicks per replicate). Three isocaloric (2713.41 and 2918.76 Kcal/kg starter and finisher diets respectively) and isonitrogenous (Starter 24%CP and Finisher 20.37%) diets were formulated. The control diet was without mixture of ginger and garlic. The two other diets were T1:7.5g Ginger plus 7.5g Garlic mixture/25kg diet and T2: 15g Ginger plus 15g Garlic mixture/25kg diet. The experimental diets (starter and finisher diets) were offered to the respective bids with water ad libitum. The body weight gain (Kg) of birds fed control, T1 and T2:1.85, 1.90 and 1.74 respectively were not significantly different (p > 0.05).The feed intake (kg); 4.77, 4.22 and 4.02; and feed conversion ratio: 2.70; 2.22 and 2.31 for birds on control, T1 and T2 respectively were not different (p > 0.05) too. Birds on diet T2 recorded the highest liveability percentage (96%). Mixtures of ginger and garlic in ratio 1.1 up to 7.5g each in 25kg diets slightly increased final body weight gain and liveability; improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), reduced feed intake and dressed carcass percentage significantly (p<0.05) reduced weight of internal organs like liver, heart, kidney and gizzard. The increased final body weight gain and liveability as well as improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds could possibly be due to improvement in feed digestion, additive advantage of nutrients and the anti-microbial property of the mixtures of ginger and garlic in the diets. While the reduced feed intake and dressed carcass percentage may be responsible for by the high fiber content, and some anti-nutritional factors in the ginger and garlic mixtures.Keywords: body weight, carcass characteristics, broiler chicken, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale

Growth performance, carcass quality, biochemical and haematological traits and immune response of growing rabbits as affected by different growth promoters

The aim of the article was to study the effect of different growth promoters on growth performance, carcass quality, biochemical and haematological traits and immune response of growing rabbits. A total number of 105 male growing NZW rabbits during 35-91days of age were randomly distributed among 7 groups fed the same basal diet and submitted to different dietary treatments: the first group was unsupplemented and used as control; the other groups were supplemented respectively with bee pollen and/or propolis at 200mg/kg BW of each and inulin and/or mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) at 35mg/kg BW of each. Body weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), biochemical and haematological blood parameters, carcass characteristics, histological studies of ileum and spleen and economical efficiency were measured. Bee pollen administered alone or with propolis significantly (p<0.01) the body weight gain and improved FCR in respect of the control group. Inulin with MOS significantly improved just FCR than the control group. Bee pollen with propolis and MOS supplemented-groups resulted in significantly higher (7.96 and 8.41% respectively) white blood cells compared to the control group. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly higher for the MOS group in respect of the control, bee pollen, inulin and inulin with MOS supplemented-groups. Propolis resulted in significantly higher dressed carcass percentage than the control group and higher carcass index than only bee pollen with propolis supplemented-group. Bee pollen, in particular if in combination with propolis, could be used as a supplement in the growing rabbits during days 35-91 of age with positive effects on growth rate and feed conversion ratio.

Effect of dietary amounts of inorganic and organic zinc on productive and physiological traits of White Pekin ducks

The effects of different dietary amounts of organic and inorganic Zn were studied in male White Pekin ducks (WPD) from 1 to 56 days of age. The control diet (26 ppm of Zn from raw ingredients) was supplemented with 30, 60 and 120 ppm of Zn from both inorganic and organic sources, for a total of seven treatment groups, each containing five replicates of nine 1-day-old ducklings each. BW, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at 1, 28 and 56 days of age. At 56 days of age, five birds per group were used in a digestibility trial to measure Zn retention and excretion. At the end of the trial, five birds per treatment were slaughtered and carcass traits as well as Zn content in tibia and liver were measured. Samples of blood from five birds per treatment were used to measure plasma concentration of Zn and Cu. BW gain during the entire period of the trial increased (P < 0.001) by 30 and 60 ppm of Zn. Increasing Zn contents progressively increased (P < 0.001) the tibia and the liver Zn contents as well as the plasma Zn and Cu contents. The concentration of 120 ppm of Zn increased (P < 0.001) tibia ash and decreased (P < 0.001) abdominal fat in the carcasses. In the period 1 to 56 days, Zn oxide increased (P < 0.001) growth rate and improved (P < 0.03) FCR compared with organic Zn, whereas organic Zn increased (P < 0.003) the dressed carcass percentage. Organic Zinc increased (P < 0.001) Zn and Cu concentration in the plasma. A level of 30 ppm of Zn from an inorganic source was adequate for male WPD during 1 to 56 days of age, based on positive effects of growth rate and Zn excretion.

Imprinting analysis of porcine MAGEL2 gene in two fetal stages and association analysis with carcass traits

Imprinted genes play an essential role in the regulation of fetal growth, development and function of the placenta, however only a limited number of imprinted genes have been studied in swine. In this study, we cloned and characterized porcine MAGEL2 (melanoma antigen-like gene 2), and also identified its imprinting status during porcine fetal development. The complete open reading frame (ORF) encoding 1,193 amino acids was isolated and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.2592A>C and g.3277T>C) in the coding region were identified. The reciprocal Yorkshire×Meishan F1 hybrid model and the RT-PCR/RFLP method were used to detect the imprinting status of porcine MAGEL2 gene at two developmental stages of day 30 and 65 of gestation. Imprinting analysis showed that porcine MAGEL2 was paternally expressed in day 65 fetal tissues, including heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, small intestine, skeletal muscle, brain and placenta. Interestingly, we observed an imprinting variance of MAGEL2 gene in 30 dpc fetuses produced by the cross of Yorkshire boar×Meishan sow, in which seven heterozygous fetuses were monoallelically expressed from the paternal allele but two were biallelically expressed from both the paternal and maternal alleles. Association analysis in a Yorkshire×Meishan F2 resource population showed that the mutation of g.2592A>C was significantly associated with dressed carcass percentage (P<0.05) and buttock fat thickness (P<0.05). Our results suggest that MAGEL2, as a novel imprinted gene in pig, might be a candidate gene affecting carcass traits and could provide important information for the functional study of imprinted genes during porcine development.

Effect of Diet Types and Slaughter Ages on Carcass Characteristics of the Domestic Rabbits in Humid Southern Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the effect of feed types (rabbit grower’s mash, chicken grower’s mash and chicken layer’s mash) and age at slaughter (10wks, 13wks and 16wks) on the characteristics of rabbit fresh meat. The parameters evaluated were the pH change during slaughtering (during rigor mortis development) and carcass characteristics in terms of dressed weights, dressing percentage, organ weights, physical cuts and meat/bone ratio to establish practice viability. On the average, it took the rabbit meat 4.76 hours to attain the ultimate pH of 5.69 at 2±2 C. The dressed carcass weight, on o the average was 47.9% of live weight. Dressed carcass percentage was significantly influenced by slaughter age with rabbit slaughtered at 10 weeks having lower value than that of 13 and 16 weeks slaughter ages. Slaughter age influenced the absolute weight of each physical cut. As the slaughter age increased, the average meat/bone ratio of 3.46 increased significantly. Diets did not have significant effect on meat/bone ratio and on the relative organ weights. Moistened chicken feeds (Layers and Growers mash) could be fed to rabbits with heavy forage supplementation for optimal rabbit meat production.

The effects of dietary energy concentration on growth rate and conversion of energy to weight gain in broiler chickens

Synopsis Eight diets, their metabolisable energy (ME) concentrations ranging from 2.3 Mcal/kg to 3.6 Mcal/kg (9.6 to 14.1 MJ/kg) were fed to each of four pens of broilers in two trials. Food intake was inversely related to energy concentration but the ME required by each sex to reach a given live‐weight was quite similar. Birds on the diets with a medium energy concentration (about 3.1 Mcal/kg (13.0MJ/ kg)) required slightly less ME than those on other diets and generally reached the required live‐weight earlier than those on other diets. Birds in the first trial required less of any particular diet than their counterparts in the second trial, reflecting the lower ambient temperatures recorded during the latter trial. Mortality recorded from 14 d of each trial was generally lower for birds on the medium energy concentration diets and dressed carcass percentage higher than those on other diets. The results of the present study are in agreement with the recent recommendation (National Research Council, 1971...

Effects of the plane of nutrition on growth and the development of carcass quality in lambs Part I. The effects of High and Low planes of nutrition at different ages

Effects of the plane of nutrition on growth and the development of carcass quality in lambs Part I. The effects of High and Low planes of nutrition at different ages