Variation pattern in production traits of broiler strains reared in a humid tropical environment

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of strain on productive traits of three broiler chickens. A total of 144 broilers, 48 each of Hubbard, Marshall and Ross were used for the experiment which lasted 8 weeks. The birds were reared in separate deep litter pens with each strain replicated into 4 having 12 birds per replicate. Data were generated on body weight and linear body parameters (body length–BL, kneel length–KL, shank length–SL, wing length–WL,breast width–BSW, thigh length TL and drum stick length DL) at 2weeks interval from the 2week, growth performance, carcass and economics of production indices. Data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SPSS package. Results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) differences among the strains for the various parameters studied.The Marshall strain was significantly (p<0.05) superior in final body weight(1861.14g) followed by Ross (1714.44 g) while the least in body size was Hubbard (1432.45 g). Daily weight gain (g/bird/day) and FCR were significantly (p<0.05) better in Marshall and Ross compared to Hubbard. Marshall and Ross strain had significantly(p<0.05) heavier body weights and longer bodies in week 28; longer keels(week 6 and 8), thighs(week 2 and 6) and drumsticks (weeks 2, 6 and 8). Hubbard and Marshall showed statistically (p<0.05) higher mean values for BSW than Ross in weeks 2 and 4. For the carcass traits, Marshall broiler also showed superiority (p<0.05) over Ross and Hubbard in live weight 1818.75 vs 1653.13, 1500.00 g), defeathered weight (1643.75 vs 1487.50, 1375.00g), dressed weight (1359.39 vs 1280.00,1062.50g) and percent breast 18.44 vs 16.95,13.95). However, Rossand Hubbard had higher (p<0.05) means for shank proportion than for Marshall. Results of the cost-benefit indices revealed that the Marshall strain significantly (p<0.05) generated more revenue (₦1460.91/bird) and gross profit (₦666.52/bird) compared to its counter part strains. Marshall could therefore be recommended to farmers in our study area as a choice strain with faster growth and superior carcass yield for maximum economic return.