Growth pattern of the ross broiler in the humid tropical environment of Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

Growth performance of the Ross broiler chicks during an 8th week growing period was studied, in the humid tropical environment of Imo State, Nigeria, using growth data derived from 100 broiler chicken, consisting of 57 males and 53 females. Weekly mean body weight of males and females ranged between 44.24 and 1986.36 g and 43.68g and 1648.53 g respectively. The weekly body weight gain ranged between 103.33 and 414.24 g for males and 102.21 and 340.00 g for females. Differences between mean body weight of males and females became significant (p<0.05) from week 3 in favor of males. Similarly, the males had significant (p<0.05) higher values for body weight gain at weeks 3, 4, 5 and 8. Higher coefficient of determination of 81.1% and 94.4% were obtained with a highly significant (p<0.01) F. value, when weeks 6 and 7 were included in the model respectively for absolute growth rate. Again, high coefficient of determination of 85% and 95% were observed with a highly significant (p<0.01) F-value, when weeks 6 and 7 were included in the Broody’s growth function respectively for relative growth rate. This study reveals that body weight could be predicted best using the 6th and 7th week body weight, suggesting that improved management practice and production environment could enhance and bring about earlier higher body weight. Thus the Ross gene could be exploited in the humid tropics because of its productivity and better adaptability as shown by its present pattern of growth.

Keywords: Poultry, broiler production, growth pattern, humid tropics