Studies on growth, carcass and meat quality traits in Aseel crosses suitable for small scale intensive broiler farming

Abstract

The data on 837 birds representing five crosses (Aseel x PD-1, Aseel x PD-2, Aseel x PD-6, Aseel x PB-1 and Aseel x PB-2) survived up to 12 weeks of age were evaluated for various growth, meat quality, meat composition, sensory attributes and carcass traits as an alternative to native chicken farming. Body weights and shank lengths significantly (P≤0.05) differed at all ages. Aseel crosses with coloured broiler lines (PB-1 and PB-2) had significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights while Aseel x PD-1 cross recorded higher shank length at all ages. The fat and ash proportion varied significantly (P≤0.05) among the crosses. The pH values of the breast meat ranged 5.89 to 6.29. The Shear force values (SFV) and Hydroxyproline (HP) concentration differed significantly (P≤0.05) among the crosses. Meat colour differed significantly (P≤0.05) with respect to yellowness (b*) and red (a*) colouration. The proportion of legs, wings, back, neck, meat and bone significantly (P≤0.05) differed among the crosses. The cluster analysis of means of all traits revealed that least distance exists between Aseel x PD-1 and Aseel x PD-6. The study concludes that, Aseel x PD-1 and Aseel x PD-6 crosses may be a viable and suitable alternative for native chicken farming.