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Performance, Livability, and Carcass Yield of Slow- and Fast-Growing Chicken Genotypes Fed Low-Nutrient or Standard Diets and Raised Indoors or with Outdoor Access.

Authors :
Fanatico, A. C.
Pillai, P. B.
Hester, P. Y.
Falcone, C.
Mench, J. A.
Owens, C. M.
Emmert, J. L.
Source :
Poultry Science. Jun2008, Vol. 87 Issue 6, p1012-1021. 10p. 8 Charts.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of genotype, production system, and nutrition on performance and livability of meat chickens for niche markets. Slow-growing (SG) and fast-growing genotypes (FC) were raised for 91 and 63 d, respectively, in experiment 1 (females) or 84 and 56 d, respectively, in experiment 2 (males). In each trial, SC were placed before FG to achieve a similar BW at processing. In experiment 1, each genotype was assigned to 8 pens of 20 birds each, with 4 pens within each genotype raised indoors in a conventional research facility or in a small facility with outdoor access. All birds were fed a low-nutrient diet. In experiment 2, genotype assignment to pens was as in experiment 1; however, 4 pens within each genotype were fed a low-nutrient diet or a conventional diet, and birds were raised indoors. Birds were gait-scored and commercially processed; legs were examined for tibial dyschondroplasia lesions and scanned for bone mineral density. In experiment 1, FC gained more weight than SC (P < 0.05) even though they were placed later. Outdoor access increased feed intake, and feed efficiency was poorer (P < 0.05). Fast-growing genotypes had higher breast meat yield, whereas SC had higher wing and leg yields (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the low-nutrient diet reduced (P < 0.05) gain of the SC; FC increased feed intake of the low-nutrient diet such that their gain was unaffected (P > 0.05). For FC, the low-nutrient diet resulted in a poorer (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. Although weight gain of the FC was maintained on the low-nutrient diet, breast yield was reduced (P < 0.05). Cenotype affected bone health in both experiments, with SC having better gait scores and less tibial dyschondroplasia (P < 0.05). Outdoor access and the low-nutrient diet also resulted in better gait score (P < 0.05). These data indicate differences among genotypes and provide information about the efficiency and potential for alternative poultry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00325791
Volume :
87
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Poultry Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32511252
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2006-00424