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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.
- 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]
- Subjects :
- *GENETIC polymorphisms
*CHICKENS
*POULTRY
*ANIMAL feeds
*ANIMAL feeding
Subjects
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