Variabilities in growth, carcass and organ traits of two chicken breeds naturally infected with coccidial oocytes

Abstract

The overwhelming impacts of coccidial infection on poultry production and profitability have been reported in many studies. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the variations in body morphometry of Abor Acre and FUNAAB Alpha chickens naturally infected with coccidial oocytes. Two hundred day-old chicks at 100 equal numbers were raised for eight weeks. Body morphometric data were collected weekly. At about week three, experimental birds came down with coccidiosis as birds were not pre-vaccinated against it. At the end, 40 birds at 20 per breed were randomly selected for the collection of carcass and organ data. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) between Abor Acre and FUNAAB Alpha chicken breeds for live weight and linear body traits except chest circumference. The Abor Acre breed significantly weighed (p<0.05) heavier (1.54 ± 0.02 kg) than the FUNAAB Alpha (0.65 ± 0.02 kg) breed. Variations in body traits of the chicken’ sexes showed that male chickens significantly weighed (p<0.05) heavier and were found longer in most linear traits than their female counterparts. The interaction between breed*sex indicated that live and dress weights were significantly different (p<0.05) especially for breast and thigh tissues which are major economic body parts. Similar trend was observed among carcass and organ variables were breed, sex and their interactions were significantly different (p<0.05) for most parameters. In conclusion, Arbor Acre breed had better growth carcass and organ performance than FUNAAB Alpha chickens when infected with coccidial oocysts. Abor Acre chickens should be recommended to poultry farmers in coccidial endemic locations.