Strain x sex effect on production indices of broiler chickens reared in the humid tropics

Abstract

Production traits of broiler chickens could be strain and sex dependent. This study evaluated the effect of strain x sex on body weight, linear body, growth performance, carcass and economics of production indices. Hubbard, Marshall and Ross strains were used. Data were obtained on 150 broiler chicks consisting of 50 each of the strains. Body weight and linear body traits were measured from 2 to 8 weeks of age. Body weight, body length, keel length, shank length, wing length, breast width, tail length and drumstick differed significantly (p<0.05) among the strains and between the sexes within the strains at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks except for wing length at 8 weeks. Male Marshall and male Ross had superior (p<0.05) mean values for body weight and almost all the linear body traits. Males of Marshall and Ross also recorded significantly higher final weight (2077.29 g; 1907.14 g) and better FCR (2.33; 2.43), respectively. A similar trend was obtained for live weight (2050.00 g; 1956.25), defeathered weight (1812.50 g; 1741.25 g) and dressed weight (1543.75 g; 1425.00 g). However, females of Marshall and Ross significantly (p<0.05) had higher mean values for breast, drumstick and shank. Males of Marshall gave higher revenue (₦1633.82/bird) and gross margin (₦839.05/bird) Males of Marshall and Ross broilers could be raised for increased production. For maximum profit for stockholders, the Marshall strain is recommended.

Keywords: Strain, sex, humid tropic, broiler, linear body measurements