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Effects of genotype and population density on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost-benefits of broiler chickens in north central Nigeria

Tropical Animal Health and Production volume 42, pages 719–727 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

The influence of genotype and stocking densities on growth performance, carcass qualities, and cost-benefits of broilers were examined in a 28-day trial. Two hundred and seven 4-week-old birds each of Anak Titan and Arbor Acre hybrid broiler types were randomly assigned to three stocking density treatments of 8.3, 11.1, and 14.3 birds/m2 in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Final body weight, average weekly body weight and average weekly feed intake were affected (P < 0.05) by strain, with higher means recorded for Arbor Acres. However, average weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were similar (P > 0.05) in both genetic groups. The effect of placement density on some growth parameters did not follow a linear trend. Arbor Acres had significantly (P < 0.05) higher relative (%) fasted body, carcass, back, neck, and wing weights compared to Anak Titans. Housing density effect (P < 0.05) was observed for relative (%) fasted body, shank, and wing weights of birds. However, the relative weights of visceral organs of birds were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by genotype and housing density. The economic analysis revealed that higher gross margin was recorded for Arbor Acres compared to Anak Titans (€2.76 versus €2.19; P < 0.05, respectively). Conversely, stocking rate did not exert any influence (P > 0.05) on profit margin. Genotype × stocking density interaction effect was significant for some of the carcass indices investigated. It is concluded that under sub-humid conditions of a tropical environment, the use of Arbor Acre genetic type as well as a placement density of 14.3 birds/m2 appeared to be more profitable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria

    Abdulmojeed Yakubu, John A. Ayoade & Yakubu M. Dahiru

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  1. Abdulmojeed Yakubu
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  2. John A. Ayoade
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  3. Yakubu M. Dahiru
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Correspondence to Abdulmojeed Yakubu.

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Yakubu, A., Ayoade, J.A. & Dahiru, Y.M. Effects of genotype and population density on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost-benefits of broiler chickens in north central Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 42, 719–727 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9479-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9479-4

Keywords

  • Strain
  • Stocking density
  • Performance
  • Gross margin
  • Broilers