Dressed Carcass Weight Research Articles

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Architecture of Growth and Meat Production Traits in a Chicken F2 Resource Population.

For genomic selection to enhance the efficiency of broiler production, finding SNPs and candidate genes that define the manifestation of main selected traits is essential. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for growth and meat productivity traits of roosters from a chicken F2 resource population (n = 152). The population was obtained by crossing two breeds with contrasting phenotypes for performance indicators, i.e., Russian White (slow-growing) and Cornish White (fast-growing). The birds were genotyped using the Illumina Chicken 60K SNP iSelect BeadChip. After LD filtering of the data, 54,188 SNPs were employed for the GWAS analysis that allowed us to reveal significant specific associations for phenotypic traits of interest and economic importance. At the threshold value of p < 9.2 × 10-7, 83 SNPs associated with body weight at the age of 28, 42, and 63 days were identified, as well as 171 SNPs associated with meat qualities (average daily gain, slaughter yield, and dressed carcass weight and its components). Moreover, 34 SNPs were associated with a group of three or more traits, including 15 SNPs significant for a group of growth traits and 5 SNPs for a group of meat productivity indicators. Relevant to these detected SNPs, nine prioritized candidate genes associated with the studied traits were revealed, including WNT2, DEPTOR, PPA2, UNC80, DDX51, PAPPA, SSC4D, PTPRU, and TLK2. The found SNPs and candidate genes can serve as genetic markers for growth and meat performance characteristics in chicken breeding in order to achieve genetic improvement in broiler production.

Effects of dietary Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The seeds of lesser-known tropical legume trees are currently being promoted as a cost-effective method of increasing broiler productivity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Several feeding trials have evaluated the effects of baobab seed meal (BSM) on broiler chicken productivity. However, due to differences in experimental conditions among feeding trials, drawing broad conclusions using this large volume of data appears difficult. Thus, the meta-analytic effect of BSM on growth performance [i.e., feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body weight gain (BWG)] and carcass characteristics of broilers were investigated using 14 peer-reviewed published articles. These articles were retrieved via a systematic search conducted on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Elicit.com, and PubMed databases. The effect size was calculated via a random effect model, and results were expressed as standardised mean differences (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals. The pooled results showed that broilers fed BSM had significantly lower BWG (SMD = −0.77; −0.19, −0.30; p &lt; 0.001), dressed carcass weight (SMD = −0.84; −1.44, −0.23; p = 0.007), and higher FCR (SMD = 0.55; 0.19, 0.91; p &lt; 0.001) than those fed control diets. However, feed intake, dressing percentage, and weights of breast, thigh, and drumstick were not significantly affected. Subgroup analyses showed that the Marshall strain-fed BSM-based diets had significantly heavier BWG (p &lt; 0.001) than the Hubbard, Ross, and Anak strains. Similarly, results revealed that broilers fed soaked and roasted BSM had significantly better FCR and BWG than broilers fed sundried and fermented BSM. Broilers fed BSM-based diets from days 29–56 (SMD = 0.17; −0.51, 0.84; p = 0.622) and days 1−56 (SMD = −0.89; −1.41, −0.36; p &lt; 0.001) had significantly improved FCR compared to those offered BSM-based diets from days 1–21 (SMD = 2.58; 1.65, 3.51; p &lt; 0.001), days 1–28 (SMD = 0.85; 0.35, 1.34; p &lt; 0.001), and days 22–42 (SMD = 1.82; 1.02, 2.62; p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, broilers fed BSM-based diets from days 29–56 (SMD = 0.21; −0.38, 0.79; p = 0.484) and days 1−56 (SMD = 0.92; 0.16, 1.69; p = 0.018) had significantly higher BWG than those offered BSM-based diets from days 1–21 (SMD = −3.39; −4.41, −2.37; p &lt; 0.001), days 1–28 (SMD = −1.32; −1.91, −0.72; p &lt; 0.001), and days 22–42 (SMD = −2.24; −2.75, 1.73; p &lt; 0.001). Meta-regression revealed a low to moderate effect of processing methods, broiler strains, inclusion level, and feeding duration as covariates, explaining most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, broilers fed 1–10% of soaked, and roasted BSM from days 1 to 56 had improved growth performance parameters when compared to those on the control.

Response of broiler chickens to raw, heat-treated and heat-treated dehulled sweet lupin seed (Lupins angustifolius) meals on feed intake, growth and carcass performances

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the partial substitution of soybean meal with raw and processed lupin seed (Lupinus angustifolius) meals on growth and carcass performances of Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Two hundred unsexed day-old chicks with similar body weight were randomly assigned to four treatment diets in completely randomized design with 5 replicates. The four dietary treatments diets were 0 % lupin seed meal (T1), 15 % raw lupin seed meal (RLS, T2), 15 % heat-treated dehulled lupin seed meal (HDLS, T3) and 15 % heat-treated lupin seed meal (HLS, T4). The CP content of RLS, HDLS, and HLS were 33.5, 37.1, and 35.4 %, respectively. The highest total and daily feed intake was observed in chickens reared in control diet (T1) while the lowest from T2 and T4 diets and differed (p&lt;0.05) with the T1 diet. However, no significance effect was observed in feed conversion ratio among the treatment diets. Chickens fed with T1 diet had higher (p&lt;0.05) final body weight, total and daily weight gains than those reared in T2 and T4 diets while these values were comparable to those fed on T3 diet. Similarly, higher (p&lt;0.05) values were observed for slaughter weight, dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, keel bone meat, wings, neck and back and thorax in chickens fed with T1 diet than those of T2 and T4 diets; but these values did not differ with chickens fed on the T3 diet. The gizzard weight was similar between chickens fed with T1 and T3 diets while those on T2 and T4 diets had lower (p&lt;0.05) values than those of T1 diet. The highest liver weight was observed in T1 diet while the lowest in T2 and differed (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion it would be economically beneficial to replace 15 % of the soybean meal with heat-treated dehulled blue lupin seed meal in broilers ration under tropical environment

Estimation of Carcass Trait Characteristics, Proportions, and Their Correlation with Preslaughter Body Weight in Indigenous Chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia

This study aimed to estimate carcass trait characteristics, proportions, and their correlation with the preslaughter body weight of indigenous chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia. Data from 42 healthy male chickens were collected and analyzed using SAS 2012 ver. 9.4, R software ver.4.3.1, and MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results indicated significant fixed effect of districts on dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, thighs, wings, and gizzard between Goba and Agarfa chickens (p &lt; 0.05). The fixed effect of age and the district–age interaction effect were not significant. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1, accounting for 96.8% of the total variation between Goba and Agarfa chickens, was contributed by preslaughter and dressed carcass weight. Among the carcass components, the key contributors to differentiation between the Goba and Agarfa indigenous chicken carcass yields were the drumstick, thigh, breast (with/without keel bone), and back with thoracic weight (VIP &gt; 1); there was a higher yield in Goba chickens. Preslaughter weight exhibited stronger correlations with most other traits, while dressing percentages displayed a negative correlation with various carcass components and edible giblet yields across the study districts. This study provides useful insights into carcass component characteristics and yields of indigenous Ethiopian chickens, which can increase our understanding of carcass components and their relationships with other qualities for improvement and further studies on poultry production.

Significance of variation in wildlife red deer carcass yields

ABSTRACT Deer hunting has traditionally had great relevance due to the diversity of resources obtained from it, such as meat. Our aim has been to analyse the total post-mortem weight, dressed carcass weight and carcass yield, as well as their variations as a function of years, sex, age and hunting season (autumn vs. winter). Also, predictive equations for carcass weight from total weight were performed. A total of 947 red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) of both sexes, hunted from 1989 to 1993 in the Quintos de Mora National Reserve, Spain, were analysed. Seasonal and interannual differences were detected in all weight measures and carcass yield, conditioned by sex, age and climatic factors such as temperature. In general, to obtain a higher meat yield deer extractions should be carried out in autumn. In addition, carcass weight variation (measured on cold carcasses dressed without head and feet, keeping skin, lateral diaphragm portions, fat deposits and legs) can be considered a good indicator of body condition that integrates seasonal nutritional gains and/or losses and long-term nutritional legacies. This index provides information on the animal's natural history and ecological environment conditions, making its standardized record an essential tool for monitoring wild game populations.

Research Note: Association of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene polymorphism with production performance in Savimalt and French Giant meat-type quails

This study aimed to investigate the association of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with growth traits and carcass traits of quail by PCR amplification and direct sequencing technology. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 49 female French Giant (FG) quails and 36 female Savimalt (SV) quails as part of this study. Growth traits and carcass traits were measured and assessed for IGF-1R gene analysis in the 2 meat-type quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in the 2 quail strains. The A57G (P=0.002) and A72T (P=0.026) were significantly associated with breastbone length (BBL) in FG. Whereas A57G was significantly associated with chest weight (CW, P=0.004), BBL (P=0.009), and body length (BL, P=0.009) in SV, while A72T was significantly associated with BBL (P=0.014) and BL (P=0.028) in SV. Haplotypes based on these 2 SNPs showed significant effects on BBL in FG strain (P=0.000), and they also had significant effects on CW (P=0.007), BBL (P=0.004), and BL (P=0.001) in SV strain. Additionally, A57G was significantly associated with liver rate (LR) in FG strain (P=0.017). A72T showed significant associations with dressed carcass weight (DCW, P=0.048) and breast muscle weight (BMW, P=0.018) in FG strain. A57G was significantly associated with DCW (P=0.048), whole net carcass weight (WNCW, P=0.048), BMW (P=0.036), and liver muscle rate (LMR, P=0.003) in SV strain. Haplotypes also displayed significant effects on BMW (P=0.029) and LMR (P=0.010) in FG strain. These findings indicated that the IGF-1R gene could serve as a valuable molecular genetic marker for enhancing growth traits and carcass traits in meat-type quails.

Can 100% Pasture-Based Livestock Farming Produce Enough Ruminant Meat to Meet the Current Consumption Demand in the UK?

Grassland is grouped into temporary, permanent, and rough grazing types in the United Kingdom (UK), making up more than 60% of the national agricultural land area. It provides avenues for grazed fodder or ensiled forage contributing a large proportion of the diets consumed by cattle and sheep. The official agricultural census data in 2011 to 2020 showed that, on average, UK cattle and sheep farming can produce meat to satisfy 83.3 and 100.8% of domestic cattle beef and sheep meat consumption levels, respectively. Out of the large agricultural census datasets, we used the populations of cattle and sheep, as well as the UK definition of a standard livestock unit (SLU), to normalise the respective herd populations into a total standard livestock unit (TSLU). We then used the annual domestic meat production in dressed carcass weight to calculate cattle and sheep meat productivity per SLU. Using the potential herbal dry matter yields per year and areas of the different grassland types across the UK, the potential total available pasture feed was calculated. This potential production of herbal biomass was translated into the potential carrying capacity expressed in a TSLU. This total potential carrying capacity was partitioned into cattle and sheep sectors so that the routes of pasture-based-only options with which to produce ruminant meat to meet the current UK domestic consumption demands were assessed. The estimated mean potential annual pasture forage feed in 2011–2020 was approximately 82.0 million (M) metric tonnes (t), which can be translated into a potential carrying capacity of 17.9 M SLUs compared with the current mean 9.36 M SLUs in the survey data of the UK. With the ratio of sheep to cattle at 8.2:25 in the national TSLU, the UK national demands at present consumption levels of cattle and sheep meat can be arithmetically met with pasture grass utilisation rates at or above 65% and 50% by cattle and sheep farming systems, respectively.

The effect of age and sex on carcass traits and body composition of Hungarian yearling farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus)

Carcass characteristics were studied in 80 young Hungarian red deer in different ages (12, 15, 18 and 20 months of age). In all age group 10 male and 10 female were slaughtered. The dressed carcass weight in skin varied between 53.72 and 65.66% of live weight. The first class lean meat varied between 14.3 and 16.6% of live weight.The live weight, carcass weight increased with the age and differed also between sexes. The highest dressing percentages were found at 20 months of age in both sexes (♂: 65.7%, ♀: 62.5%). Mainly the hinds had higher loin, leg and shoulder proportions of carcass at 20 months of age than the stags.The carcass muscle, bone and fat content were measured by computer tomography. These traits were grown and their proportion changed with the age. The bone to muscle ratio gradually decreased with the age while the fat to muscle ratio increased after 15 months of age (♂: from 0.13 to 0.17, ♀: from 0.15 to 0.18). At 18 month of age the hinds had higher bone to muscle and fat to muscle ratio than the stags'.The fat percentage of carcasses increased with the age in both sexes (♂: from 8.01% to 11.04%, ♀: from 8.40% to 11.28%). The hinds had higher values than the stags but it was significant just at 20 months of age.From the meat quality attributes there were found differences between ages in the case of pH, lightness, drip loss, cooking loss and shear force. The highest pH was found at 12 months of age in both sexes. There were found 5% intermediate pH (6.2 < pH < 5.8) at 12 and 15 months of age, all of them were male. The highest lightness values were observed at 18 months of age in both sexes (♂: 13.47, ♀: 14.90). There were differences between sexes in pH at all ages, except 15 months of age, and at 18 months of age in redness and lightness.Based on our results, the optimal slaughtering time for Hungarian red deer is 20 months of age, because this is when the dressing percentage is the best for both sexes. Meat quality traits changed with age, and gender differences sexes were the most pronounced for these traits at 18 months of age.

Modulating the Growth Curve in Broiler Chicken Through Varying Balanced Protein Regimen (Conventional All Step-down)

Background: Selecting the appropriate amino acid levels according to age of modern broiler chicken is critical since proteins are costly. This study, therefore, evaluated the performance of the broiler chicken by modulating growth curve through varying balanced protein (BP) regimen under conventional all step-down phase feeding. Methods: In total, 1750 one-day-old straight run broiler chicks (Hubbard) were randomly allocated to 10 treatments, replicated 7 times with 25 broilers. The 3 diets; a high BP (HBP) with 1.2% standardized Ileal digestible lysine (SIDLys), a medium BP (MBP) with 1.1% SIDLys and a low BP (LBP) with 1.0% SIDLys, were offered in starter, grower and finisher phases as HHH, MMM, LLL, HHM, HHL, MML, HHM, MML, HLL and HML. Result: Higher (P less than 0.05) average BW and BWG were observed in HMM group in starter period. The greater (P less than 0.05) FI, however, was observed in HHH and in MLL groups in grower and finisher phases. The HMM group had better (P less than 0.05) FCR in all phases. The HHH group had greater (P less than 0.05) dressed carcass weight, breast yield, drum stick and thigh weights. The HHH group, moreover, had heavier (P less than 0.05) abdominal fat, thigh, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The HHH group, similarly, had higher (P less than 0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol, urea concentrations and antibody titers against NDV and IBDV. In conclusion, 1.2% SIDLys in the HBP diets improved growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites and immunity in the broiler chicken.

Effect of different fattening period duration on meat productivity of domestic quails

Abstract. The study was conducted with 224 domestic quails from the specialized meat-type WG line. The duration of fattening period and sex on productive traits, slaughter traits and meat quality of quails was evaluated. The study has shown that the longer duration of the fattening period in quails from the meat-type line WG was associated with lower production efficiency, with more reduction after the 35th day of life. The production efficiency in male quails was lower compared to that in females. The dispersion analysis demonstrated that the determination of 72.2% and 69.6% of dressed carcass weight and deboned meat weight, respectively, depended on fattening period duration (p&lt;0.001). When fattening increased from 28 to 42 days, the amount of feed necessary for one bird increased by 73% and 87%, corresponding to increased costs by 64.5% and 77%. For production of 1 kg dressed quail carcasses, the necessary feed increased by 42.3-45.8% on a weight basis and by 35-37.7% on a cost basis. For production of 1 kg deboned quail meat, corresponding increases are by 42.1-49.5% and 34.8-41.2%, respectively. The period between 28 and 35 days of age was the most appropriate for planning slaughter of WG quails. During that period, the economic efficiency, although already declining, was still within acceptable limits and the increase in quantitative traits in both sexes – still relevant, making the produce more attractive for consumers. With age, the changes in colour characteristics of M. pectoralis superficialis result in darkening of meat (p&lt;0.001). Thus, it assumes nuances specific rather for game meat. This effect is desirable, as it improves the commercial presentation of domestic quail meat in line with consumers’ attitudes.

Carcass traits and value of meat and byproducts of sheep

A study was carried out to evaluate the carcass traits of sheep and in total, data on 1332 sheep were collected from four states covering southern, central and northern part of India. The yield and value of carcass and byproducts of sheep were grouped under 4 different live weight categories, viz. less than 15 kg (group 1), between &gt; 15 to &lt; 20 kg (group 2), &gt;20 to &lt;25 kg (group 3) and more than 25 kg (group 4) and statewise (Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). The results revealed that the overall live weight of sheep ranged from 12.44 to 27.69 kg and dressed carcass weight ranged from 5.63 to 13.22 kg, with dressing percentage of 46.03. Significant differences were observed in the live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and yield of byproducts of the sheep of different body weight groups of different states. Sheep belonging to the body weight of &gt;15 to &gt;20 kg were found be utilized more for mutton production (49.25%). Sheep from states like Maharashtra (20.14 kg) and Andhra Pradesh (20.24 kg) had higher overall average live weight when compared to other states. In sheep, all the byproducts except skin are utilized for human consumption and the yield of edible and inedible (skin) byproducts as percentage of live sheep weight were 43.03 and 11.00%, respectively. Among the saleable portions of sheep, 78.64-82.67% of revenue was contribute by meat, followed by edible offal (14.28-19.19%) and skin (2.17-3.05%).

Effect of organic acids fed through drinking water on carcass and internal organs of broiler chickens

A Six week study was carried out to investigate effect of different organic acids (OAs) fed through drinking water on carcass yield and internal organs weight of broiler chickens. The OAs were acetic acid (AA) butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and formic acid (FA). One hundred and fifty (150) day old AborAcre-plus chicks were used. There were five treatments. Treatment 1 which served as control (CON) consumed water with no organic acid, while treatments 2,3, 4 and5 respectively were offered drinking water treated with 0.25% acetic acid (AA), butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and formic acid (FA). Each treatment was replicated three times each having 10 birds arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Results showed that dressed carcass weight and breast weight were improved by all the organic acids. While only AA positively influenced the thigh weight, all the OAs drinking water fed resulted to smaller drumstick compared to the CON. Feeding of AA, BA and FA through drinking water increased (PSO.05) deposition of abdominal fat. Weight of pancreas, small intestine, caecum and large intestine was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in CON. The gall bladder was significantly (P&lt;0.05) bigger in all the OA groups. Conclusively, OAs could be fed through the drinking water for improved percentage carcass yield, breast meat and larger gall bladder and invariably bile volume

Carcass yield and internal organs of broiler chickens fed diets treated with organic acids

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different organic acids (OAs on carcass yield and internal organ characteristics of broiler chickens. The OAs were acetic acid (AA) butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and formic acid (FA). One hundred and fifty (150) day old AborAcre - plus chicks were used. There were five dietary treatments. Diet 1 which served as control (CON) contained no OA, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively contained 0.25% AA, BA, CA and FA which replaced palm kernel cake in which each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate and arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Diets were both isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Feed and water were given ad libitum. At the end of the 8 weeks of feeding, 3 birds from each replicate giving a total of 9 birds per treatment were slaughtered for carcass and internal organ evaluation. Result from the carcass evaluation showed that there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in dressed carcass weight, thigh, wing and drumstick. All the OAs except BA produced bigger breast meat compared to the birds fed control diet. The weight of the backcut was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced by FA compared to the birds on control diet. Birds that consumed FA treated diet deposited more abdominal fat and AA produced the least (P&lt;0.05). Internal organ result indicated that both the liver and the kidney were not negatively affected by OA treated diets. Caecum and the large intestine were significantly larger in than those obtained from birds fed the control diet. Therefore, addition of the OAs except BA to broiler diets could be a good practice considering their positive effect on the breast meat which is a premium cut part. &#x0D;

EFFECT OF DIETARY LEVELS OF UNPROCESSED AND UNDEHULLED SUNFLOWER SEEDMEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING HENS.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding graded levels of unprocessed and undehulled sunflower seed meal, on the performance of laying hens. One hundred and fifty Black Harco layers in their second month of egg production were randomly alloted to five diets in which sunflower seed meal (SSM) was tested at levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% of the diets for a ten week period. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), egg weights, egg shell thickness, yolk index and Haugh units did not show any significant (P&gt;0.05) treatment effects. SSM significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased per cent egg production at 7.5 and 10.0% levels over control. Body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) depressed by 5.0 and 10.0% SSM, Dressed carcass weight (% liveweight) of birds on 7.5% SSM was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than those of birds on the rest of the diets. Hens on 7.5 and 10% SSM had intestines which were significantly (P&lt;0.05) longer than the intestines of hens on the other diets, Caecum length of birds on 10% SSM was significantly laying hens. (P&lt;0.05) higher than those of birds on diets 1 to 4; these beans however showed no significant treatment effect on their caeca length. Liver, gizzard and net carcass weights were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by SSM. The effect of SSM on egg production would seem to recommend 7.5% as the optimum level inclusion.

INFLUENCE OF GRADED LEVELS OF TOASTED BAMBARA GROUNDNUT MEAL ON RABBIT CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS

The effect of feeding graded levels of toasted banban ground out meal on rabbit weaners was investigated. A total of fifty white rabbit weaners of 6 - 8 weeks with an average weight of 366,7 gwere fed the graded level of tested bambara nut meal at 0. 5, 15, 25 or 35% inclusion level in a complete randomized design experiment for a period of six week. The final live weight, daily feed intake were not influcticed (P&gt;0.05) by the level of bambara nut meal in the diet. However, positive influence of the graded level of bambara nut meal was observed on the rabbit daily weight gain, feed efficiency dressed carcass, dressing percentage and ment: bone ratjo. Rabbits on the 25 and 15% bambara nut inclusion levels were found to have similar (P&gt;0.05) daily weight gain and dressing percentage with the control ration. Rabbit on the 5% bambara nut level diet had the least feed efficiency (0.22) and meat: bone ratio (3.6), while the dressed weights of rabbit fed the diet containing 25% bambara nut meal had the highest dressed carcass weight (501.6g). Rabbits' carcass cut-up parts as well as internal organs (liver, heart, kidneys and lungs) were not influenced by the dietary levels of bambara nut meal. But the pelt weight, empty gut weight, lipid and moisture contents were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the levels of bambara nut meal in the diet.

Comparative Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Local Horro and Exotic Cockerels of Tropical Origin Fed Growers Diet

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of male chickens were evaluated using eight-week-old 360 cockerels from three exotic (Koekoek, Kuroiler and Sasso-R) and one Ethiopian indigenous (Horro) genotypes. Cockerels in each breed (90) were randomly allocated into three replications of 30 birds each and housed in deep litter pens for the experiment that lasted for 8 to 16 weeks. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. Seven birds per breed were slaughtered at the end to determine carcass yield, chemical composition and quality attributes of meat. The Kuroiler breed has higher body weight, body weight change (1621.8 g), average daily gain (28.9 g/day), daily feed consumption (127.4 g/day) and better feed conversion ratio (4.40) than other breeds. The Kuroiler breed has heavier slaughter weight (2716.3 g), dressed carcass weight (2201.0 g), eviscerated carcass weight (1905.1 g), breast weight (537.7 g), thigh weight (303.1 g) and drumstick weight (274.8 g) than other breeds. Total edible offal was higher for Kuroiler (324.2 g) and Sasso-R (306.1 g), intermediate in Koekoek (204.4 g) and low in Horro (152.4 g) breed. The relative proportion of breast and drumstick (% slaughter weight) were lower in Koekoek and Sasso-R (17.3 and 8.9) breeds, respectively. Abdominal fat weight (13.7 g and 1.02%) was lowest in Horro. Sasso-R showed higher percent edible offal weight (13.4%) than Horro breed (11.4%). The DM content in breast and thigh meat was higher for Horro breed than the rest. The CP content in the breast and thigh meat was lower for the Kuroiler and Koekoek breeds, respectively. Higher EE in the thigh meat was recorded for Sasso-R (8.9%), whereas, EE content in the breast meat was similar (3.4% - 3.7%) among the breeds. Flavor, tenderness, juiciness and general acceptability of breast and thigh meat were not affected by breed. The highest net return was observed in the Kuroiler breed. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that the Kuroiler breed can be used for cockerel meat production in Ethiopia where intensive broiler production is not well developed.

Effects of enzyme supplementation of raw bambara nut ((Vigna subterranea (L) verdc) waste diets on carcass and organ weights of broiler finishers

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; A study was conducted out to investigate the effects of graded levels of raw bambara nut waste and supplementary enzyme (Roxazyme G) on carcass and internal organ weights of broiler finishers. Ninety-six 6-week old broiler birds were randomly divided into 8 groups of 12 birds each. The groups were randomly assigned to 8 energetic (11.48-12.20 MJ of ME/kg) and nitrogenous (20.09-20.43% crude protein) diets in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement involving four levels (0, 20, 30 and 40%) of raw Bambara nut waste (RBW) and 2 enzyme levels (0 and 0.02%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 4 birds per replicate placed in 2.6m x 3m deep litter pens of fresh wood shavings. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum to the birds from 42 to 70 day of age. The experiment lasted for four weeks. At the end of the experimental period when the birds were 10 weeks old, 3 birds per treatment (one per replicate) were randomly selected and weighed for carcass and organ evaluation. Results showed that increasing the levels of RBW did not result in any significant (P&gt;0.05) increase in the relative weights of spleen and heart, while the relative weights of liver, kidney, empty gizzard, small and large intestines increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). There were, however significant (P&lt;0.05) decreases in the live body weight, dressed carcass weight and carcass dressing percent as the levels of RBW in the diets increased beyond 20 %. The results obtained in the present study shows that with Roxazyme G supplementation at 200mg/kg, up to 20% of raw bambara nut waste can be included in the diet of broiler finishers without any adverse effect on their carcass and internal organ weights.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Response of broiler chickens fed single straight diet fortified with fish meal

This study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, cut parts characteristics and organ proportions of broiler chickens fed single straight diet fortified with fish meal. The basal diet was augmented with fishmeal to take the crude protein from 22% to 28%. One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were used in this study which lasted for six weeks. The birds were randomly distributed into 4 treatments (T , T , T and T ) that were replicated hree times with 10 birds per replicate. The replicate T , T , T and T had different inclusion ate of crude protein which were 22%, 24%, 26% and 28% all with an energy level of 2900kcal/kg. Parameters measured were the initial body weight, final body weight, values calculated include average daily feed intake, average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. There were no significant differences observed in all the growth parameters measured. No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were observed in the cut parts characteristics and internal organ proportions measured. Taking all the parameters measured into consideration it suggests that in this single straight diet for broiler chicken, there were no adverse effects on their growth performance. Therefore, the four treatment diets were good enough to give body weight in the range of 2-2.5kg that resulted in dressed carcass weight of 1.35-1.5kg, a range of weight that the fast food lines desire.

Association Analysis between Polymorphism of GnRH-1 Genes and Carcass Traits of Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Background: GnRH-1 mainly exists in hypothalamus and it is vital to gonad development and sexual maturity of animals. This study mainly analyzed the association between GnRH-1 polymorphism and carcass traits of quails, Research conclusions can provide references for breeding of new species of quail.Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 31 female samples of Chinese Yellow quail, beijingbai quail and Korean quail were collected in Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China.SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 gene were investigated in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail through PCR amplification and DNA sequencing technologys. Moreover, correlation analysis between polymorphism sites of GnRH-1 gene and carcass traits of quail was performed. Result: According to research results, a total of 14 SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 were detected in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail, which were C71T, C108T, C168T, C178T, A184G, C206T, A209C, C215T, A252G, A279T, C281T, C293G, C339T and C458T. For A209C and C281T, only 2 genotypes were detected in China yellow quail and Beijing white quail, while for the remaining 12 SNP mutation sites, 3 genotypes were detected in three quail species. Correlation analysis showed that A209C, A279T, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with liver weight (P less than 0.05), A209C, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with dressing percentage (P less than 0.05), C215T and A279T were significantly correlated with breast muscle weight(whole) (P less than 0.05), A209C was significantly correlated with body weight, dressed carcass weight and whole net carcass weight (P less than 0.05).

Response in carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology of broiler chickens to incremental levels of Vachellia tortilis leaf meal

The objective of this study was to assess the carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology response to Vachellia tortilis inclusion in broilers. Unsexed 14-d-old Cobb500™ chicks were randomly assigned to six diets containing 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g kg−1 dry matter of V. tortilis leaf meal. The slaughter weight (SW), dressed carcass weight (DCW), breast weight, thigh weight (TW), drumstick weight (DW), and internal organs were measured. Villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), epithelial, submucosa, and muscularis thickness were taken. The apparent villus surface area (AVSA) and villus to crypt ratio were calculated. There was a linear decrease in SW and DCW (P &lt; 0.05) with the increase of V. tortilis leaf meal. The SW and DCW decreased by 0.77 and 5.25 g for each g kg−1 increase in V. tortilis, respectively. The TW and DW showed no relationship with levels of V. tortilis leaf meal. The relative weight of gizzard, intestine, stomach, heart, and kidney increased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) as levels of V. tortilis increased. The relative weight of the liver was not related to V. tortilis inclusion. The VH, AVSA, VH to CD ratio, as well as submucosa, muscularis, and epithelial thicknesses linearly increased as the V. tortilis inclusion level increased. There was no relationship between V. tortilis leaf meal inclusion and CD (P &gt; 0.05). The increased morphological measurements suggest that leaf meal inclusion alters gut physiology and could influence the digestion and absorption of nutrients in broilers.