INFLUENCE OF BREED AND SEX ON PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

The effects of genetic factors on the performance and carcass characteristics of four commercial broiler breeds reared in deep litter under similar management practices and feeding regime to 8 weeks of age were investigated. A total of 400 birds comprising Anak, Hubbard, Marshall and Ross breeds were randomly taken as representative samples at four and eight weeks. 48 birds were slaughtered and dissected manually for carcass evaluation. The results showed that breed had no significant (p>0.05) effect on live weight at 8 weeks. Hubbard breed had higher mean live body weight and was superior to other genotypes in live body weight (1880 g). In terms of the carcass traits, the former also recorded significant (p<0.05) mean values compare to the latter in dressed weight, eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, and drumstick weight. The four breeds recorded similar mean values in all the internal organs at fourth and eighth weeks except in liver and pancreas weight where Ross showed superiority at both weeks. There was significant difference (p<0.05) by breed in the linear body measurements. As regards sex effect, males were superior (p<0.05) to females in live body weight at 8 weeks, eviscerated weight, back muscle weight, thigh muscle weight and drumstick weight. The males showed superiority to females in the linear body measurements at both 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Regardless of the sex therefore, Hubbard was more productive, fed efficiently and gave more carcass yield compare to Anak, Ross and Marshall when slaughtered at the same age under uniform management practices and environmental conditions. Males also yielded more meat than the females. For increased broiler meat production and maximum profit in the industry, Hubbard breed would be recommended for finishing broilers to poultry farmers while Marshall breed for started chicken.