مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Effect of Flock Size on Performence, Some Blood and Bone Parameters, Musculus pectoralis pH and Carcass Defects in Broiler Reared by Cage Housing

Abstract :

This research was conducted to compare performance, some blood parameters, bone quality, pH of Musculus pectoralis and carcass defects having 25.000 and 40.000 capacities of cage housing. For this purpose, 25.000 and 40.000 capacity flocks were simultaneously observed throughout the four growth periods. At the end of the four production periods, a total of 20 broiler chickens having stable live weight were selected from each capacity. Broiler chickens were slaughtered via beheading method and blood samples were taken. Musculus pectoralis pH measurement was performed at the end of ten minutes after slaughter. Bones were removed from meat and analyzed. For evaluating carcass defects, 300 broilers were examined for each trait. Groups of the study showed similar values in terms of live weight, feed intake, feed efficiency and mortality rates. Statistical differences were not detected between the groups in serum glucose, cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglyceride, protein, uric acid levels and alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase enzyme activities. Physical properties and mineral level of tibio-tarsal bone and physical properties of femur were similar between the groups. The pH of the breast muscles in the cage housing was within dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat boundaries, but statistical differences were not found between the groups of the study. Ratio of wing bruising was significantly higher in flocks with40.000 capacity (P 0.01). Cases of wing fractures, breast bruising, shank and drum stick bruising was similar between the groups. In conclusion, cage housing showed similar production traits in examined flock capacities.