Carcass characteristics of South African native chicken lines

Abstract

Carcass characteristics of the Koekoek, New Hampshire, Naked-Neck, Lebowa-Venda and Ovambo chicken lines were evaluated. The highest dressed-carcass mass was recorded for Ovambo chickens and the highest percentage breast muscle was recorded for Naked-Neck chickens. Percentage fat and fatty acid composition differed between lines (p < 0.05). Carcass mass and fat content of the native chicken lines were less than in a commercial broiler line. It was concluded that the Ovambo and New Hampshire chicken lines appear to have the most suitable carcass characteristics for low-input systems where poultry production is aimed at household food security.