The influence of sex on the slaughter parameters and selected blood indices of greenleg partridge, Polish native breed of hens

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of sex, including caponization, on selected physiological and productive traits of Greenleg partridge (GP) birds. The study material consisted of 120 GP chicks (40 females and 80 males), divided into 3 equal groups (4 replication in each) and kept in litter system and fed ad libitum. A total of 40 cocks have been surgically castrated. The body weight (BW) of birds were measured biweekly. At the age of 24 weeks 8 birds/group were slaughtered, their carcasses were subjected to simplified dissection. Blood samples were collected and among others biochemical profile of serum was established. The lowest BW, regardless of age, had hens. From 18th week capons had the highest BW and finally it was similar to cocks. Cocks demonstrated, significantly, the highest carcass yield, however, the biggest proportion of breast muscles were stated in capons carcasses. The effect of sex is very clear in case of abdominal fat pad. The highest proportion of it was found in females but the lack of sex hormones in capons also contributed to a higher fat accumulation. The serum profile showed that the sexual maturity of hens increased lipids content (cholesterol, trigliceroles) caused by laying production.