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Dec 31, 2024Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Carcass and Growth Performance Characteristics of F1 Progenies of Local x Exotic Chicken Crosses
Abstract
This comprehensive study investigated the growth performance, carcass, and organ characteristics of crossbred progenies of exotic and indigenous chickens. A total number of 218 F1 progenies were generated from the crosses involving normal feathered local cocks (3 black and brown normal feathered local cocks respectively), and 12 Cobb and Abor acre exotic breeder layers respectively in the mating ratio of 1:4. Data obtained were subjected to an independent t-test using SPSS package. Growth performance traits, including feed intake, weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, were monitored from 1-8 weeks of age. Subsequent carcass evaluation at 8 weeks was assessed. Results indicated that the final body weight, average weight gain, average daily weight gain and FCR were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Na x COB (normal feathered local cock x Cobb exotic breeder layer) than in Na x AA (normal feathered local cock x Abor acre exotic breeder layer), with the mean values of 1383.33g, 1342.00g, 25.80g and 1.09, respectively. Na x COB was significantly higher (P<0.05) than Na x AA in live weight (1416.67g), defeathered weight (1350.00g), dress weight (1250g), eviscerated weight (1050.00g), dressing percentage (89.10%), breast (24.16%) and back cut (17.69%). The mean organ proportions revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in lungs, abdominal fat, crop, and large intestine. Na x AA was significantly higher (P<0.05) than Na x COB in lungs (0.70%), abdominal fat content (0.79%), while Na x COB had significantly larger crop (0.78%) and longer large intestine (1.05%). From the findings of this study, Na x COB was superior to Na x AA in body weight and carcass traits and therefore is best suited for improving the local stock in the study area.
