The body weight performance of indigenous indonesian chickens in the grower phase

Abstract

Body weight is a critical parameter to monitor in chickens due to its correlation with better performance during the production phase. Hence, this study aimed to present an overview of the body weight performance of indigenous Indonesian chickens in the grower phase. The study was conducted in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. Data of body weight performance data of 227 Merawang, 157 Murung Panggang, and 416 KUB chickens in the grower phase were collected. These weights were measured 4 times at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks while rearing the chickens in battery cages in a closed house under similar management. The result showed that the Murung Panggang chickens at each age had the highest body weight and uniformity value (P<0.05), followed by Merawang and KUB. The body growth curve of the Merawang, Murung Panggang, and KUB chickens at the 6th week showed similar weights, ranging between 400-600 g. However, at the 8th, 10th, and 12th weeks, the Merawang and Murung Panggang chickens had higher body weight performance. Therefore, this study suggested that Merawang and Murung Panggang chickens may have a greater potential to attain higher final body weights.